Finally, experts agree that the most important aspect of weight loss is the addition of healthy whole foods and exercise into our lives, rather than focusing on restrictive diets and body image.  U.S. News and World Report has a great article and video on how to introduce healthy eating and exercise habits to our children.

The epidemic of childhood obesity is very disturbing, for it shows a lack of concern for children's' welfare, health, and their futures.  Obesity breeds disease and a shorter lifespan.  As a matter of fact, today's generation is the first-ever generation that is predicted to not outlive their parents.

According to a report released last week by the research group Trust for America's Health, one third of kids nationwide are overweight now; other stats show that the percentage of children who are obese has more than tripled since the 1970s...

These kids are ashamed of themselves and get depressed, depressed enough to turn to self destructive behaviors in an attempt at weight loss.

...57 percent of girls and 33 percent of boys used cigarettes, fasting, or skipping meals to control their weight and that diet-pill intake by teenage girls had nearly doubled in five years. Last year, nearly 5,000 teens opted for liposuction...

Instead of focusing on body image, we should be putting the emphasis on introducing healthy habits into our lives:

...Most experts now favor a positive approach--showing, for example, ways that exercise strengthens the body and refreshes the mind and how certain nutrients in foods help cells, organs, and bones grow properly...
 
...The home environment should be conducive to good habits: a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter, cut-up vegetables in the fridge, jump-ropes in the garage, a basketball hoop in the driveway.

So what are you waiting for?  Lead by example, trust that your health and the future of your children depends on your adding healthy whole foods, fruits, and vegetables to your meals and exercising together; you'll love yourself for it.