We all know that childhood obesity is not healthy. No matter where you look, you hear stories of how dangerous the epidemic is becoming. Children are the future, and it's no wonder that so many people are terrified for them. You don't have the power to solve this problem yourself. But if you have a child, stop a moment to consider his or her future.

We know that the effects of childhood obesity are very dangerous. In fact, there are links to many different diseases from being an obese child. Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are just a few.

Let's not forget the other effects of childhood obesity. It's a well-known fact that children can be quite cruel to each other. Any child who is overweight could easily become the butt of jokes. They are frequently teased and tormented.

It's a miserable existence for a child who is constantly made fun of and never accepted. They suffer every single day when no one invites them to birthday parties. No one asks them out to the school dance ("You're too fat!"). They certainly never get picked for the sports teams.

When more people realize the effects of childhood obesity, perhaps we will all stand up and make a change. But what can you do in the meantime? Make a difference today, starting with your own child. You can instill good eating habits in your child that he or she will follow for life, if only you teach him or her the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods. This alone will help reduce or stop childhood obesity. Children look to their parents as teachers and examples to follow. It's up to you to teach him or her the right eating habits. Your child deserves a better quality of life, and he or she depends on you to provide it and avoid childhood obesity. You have the power to either give your child a better quality of life, or to condemn him or her to a life of sorrow and disease. You can help put a stop to the childhood obesity epidemic by starting with your own child.