Childhood Obesity

I don’t know how to say it nicely: Americans are fat. And American children are getting fatter and fatter. I really hate to see it. I know that the standard of glamour for American women is ridiculously thin, and it’s obvious that young girls today are impacted by that. I don’t want to imply that that standard is what we need to be pushing our young girls (and boys) toward. But we need to do something to solve this pendulum of extremes between childhood obesity and eating disorders.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the number of overweight children and teens has continued to rise over the past two decades.”

Doctors and scientists are concerned about the rise of overweight in children and youth because being overweight may lead to the following health problems:

·         Heart disease, caused by:

o        high cholesterol and/or

o        high blood pressure

·         Type 2 diabetes

·         Asthma

·         Sleep apnea

·         Social discrimination

It’s clearly not just about looking good. Studies have repeatedly shown that overweight children and teens are more likely to become obese as adults. As an average American woman in my thirties who has struggled with my own weight all of my life, I believe that maintaining a healthy weight can impact your health and your well-being more than most people realize.

Last month, CNN reported about Chef Ann Cooper, the “renegade lunch lady” and the difference she’s making in American schools . I think her story bears repeating. You can also read her blog. 

The following is an excerpt form the CDC’s web site. Check out this very helpful information and do your best to keep your children and yourselves healthy.

Child and Teen BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator
Worried about your child’s weight? For children, BMI is used to screen for overweight, but is not a diagnostic tool Click on the link below to measure your child’s BMI.

We Can!
This national education program is designed for parents and caregivers to help children 8-13 years old stay at a healthy weight. The booklet "Finding the Balance: A Parent Resources" offers an array of easy to use practical tips and tools for parents and guardians to help their children and families eat healthy, increase physical activity, and decrease screen time.

Nutrition for Everyone: CDC’s Quick Tips: Healthy Children, Healthy Choices
Quick tips that you can use to serve your children nutritious foods.

MyPyramid.gov
Provides a tailored explanation of how to balance your meals and includes an interactive game for kids.

Energize Your Life!
Provides information about physical activity for you and your children.

FruitsandVeggiesMatter.gov
Great recipes and information about how to incorporate fruits and vegetables in your daily meals.

How to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls
Confused about portion sizes? Play the CDC’s portion control game!

Comments

[Scott]

The consumption of fresh (preferably organic) vegetables and fruits (in this order, by the way) is unquestionably a critical underpinning of a healthy diet. Unfortunately many adults do not like these fine foods - so kids are the concern. This is why I wrote this book. Anyone interested in getting kids to develop a friendly attitude towards fruits and vegetables should take a look at new book called “The ABC’s of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond.” Great for kids of all ages – children even learn their alphabet through produce poems. It is coauthored by best-selling food writer David Goldbeck and Jim Henson writer Steve Charney. You can learn more at HealthyHighways.com

[angie]

Thank you for writing this, Tamara! It is true that obesity is very dangerous, and we as mothers need to face it head on.

[Karen Jashinsky]

O2 MAX fitness is creating a new venue in our society both online and offline. The blog posts workouts and stories of its members and other useful tips as it empowers teens.

o2maxfitness.blogspot.com/