How to Keep Your Child From Being the "Biggest Loser"

The popularity of reality shows in our culture has become a national phenomenon. Unfortunately, reality TV shows us more than just how the normal Joe can survive on a desert island or find the perfect mate, it is a glimpse into our future and it is not pretty.

One such show titled "The Biggest Loser" is an American favorite as the audience is attracted to the participants who are searching for ways to reduce their size and weight week after week. The ultimate goal of the individuals is to lose the most weight by the end of the season. Through better diet choices and more physical activity, these men and women are coached into becoming more fit and healthy.

The participants selected are of varied backgrounds, ages and geographic locations who have lived their lives on cheeseburgers and video games. By making poor choices, they have grown to unhealthy weights increasing their chances of heart disease and diabetes.

Even though the show is admirable in its intention to help them lose weight and get healthy, the underlying message is that America is becoming more sedentary, overweight and dangerously unhealthy. Your child may be on the road to being a participant of "The Biggest Loser" unless you help them by kicking them off the couch and into the playground.

If you are like many people in our nation, your kids are texting, gaming or chatting and not physically exerting themselves as they should. Your job is not to look the other way while they play hours and hours of internet or video games every week. Your job is to be the tough guy and take away the controller and kick them outside for real exercise and not become reality TV participants who weigh 300 pounds.