Last evening we went to the supermarket and I was busy grabbing chips, chocolates and other yummy foods that I love. I am in love with donuts, finger fries and chips…they taste yum and uplift your mood instantly. But when mumma saw me picking them, she said I don’t want you to become overweight, so keep them back.

Overweight! What is that? What is the problem if I become overweight? I did not say anything at that moment but I had a talk with mumma when we came back home. I asked her, ‘what do you mean by becoming overweight? Did you mean fat?’ She said ‘Yes’. You call that obesity and a person who is too fat is known as obese. Being fat is something but being obese is very harmful since losing weight becomes a serious problem and obesity leads to a number of health problems.

She said, we need to develop healthy eating habits from a very young age so that we can avoid being obese. Fatty and sugary foods such as the ones that I love eating (L) can lead to obesity, so we must avoid eating them. Eating donuts and chips once in a while is fine but we must avoid eating them regularly. We must also exercise every day so that we can stay sit and healthy.

Then asked what kind of problems do obese people face? Mumma said obese children and adults have to face a number of health problems that include heart diseases (due to high blood pressure and cholesterol), asthma, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and many more. Some children might even have psychosocial problems because they often become targets of bullying and suffer from low self-esteem. You may also be unable to take part in school sports, physical activities  and have a hard time making friends. This is something really serious!

Then I asked what leads to obesity? Does everyone who eats more become obese? Mumma said no. there are many factors that add up and make a person obese. She said if you eat more you need to exercise more; if you do so you won’t become fat even if you eat a lot. Some factors that contribute to obesity are:

• Genetic traits
• Unhealthy diet
• Not getting enough exercise
• Not getting enough sleep

By avoiding all of the above you can lead a healthy life and stay lean and fit. Being thin is not the goal; you need to be fit and healthy. You must eat nutritious food and exercise every day. Having junk food once in a week is alright but you must not eat them regularly.

Staying fit makes a person happy and energetic and you can enjoy life to the fullest. So I have decided to cut down on my intake of chips, sweets and donuts since I don’t want to become obese. I will eat healthy and exercise every day. I will tell this to my friends so that they can also stay fit and fine!