Around the world child obesity is expected to rise, according to an Associated Press article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Monday. This means that almost half of the children in the United States will be overweight by 2010.While this seems of no consequence to college-aged adults, the article also stated that most children carry obesity problems into adulthood. Obesity in adulthood leads to several chronic diseases, including diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Varying factors contribute to obesity like genetics, diet and exercise. While you can’t change your genes, you can change your lifestyle to better your quality of life as you get older.

The hardest part in fighting obesity is watching what you put in your body. Although college is a time to be young and party, be aware of how many alcoholic beverages you consume. It sometimes feels necessary to kick back a few, but an excessive amount will harm you later. The same consequences apply with food: all of the late-night trips to Whataburger and Alvarado’s, if they aren’t already, might show up on your waistline later.

The second part of your lifestyle you can manipulate is your amount of physical activity.

The greatest hindrance to exercising is lack of time. Wake up an hour earlier or spend less time with your two best friends, the computer and television. Break up your homework. You will need a study break at some point, and exercise is the perfect method to release your energy.

Exercising doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym and lift weights or run on the treadmill. Walk Fido – he needs it as much as you. Don’t drive; walk to school. If you do drive, park on the opposite side of campus.

Be cognizant of your present actions and think about the future. Watching your diet is hard but feasible. Participating in physical activity, however, is easier. Every activity counts.

Associate editor Adrienne Lang for the editorial board