Childhood Obesity on the Rise

by Michael Stefano

Americans are always on diets these days, and despite this we're getting fatter. As a society, we've gotten fifty per cent heavier in the last ten years. This alarming trend towards overweight has spilled over to our youth, with an epidemic increase in childhood obesity.

Today, one in five children is considered overweight, with obesity being the number one health problem among America's kids. A study reported in the December 12, 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concludes,  "Childhood overweight continues to increase rapidly in the United States." Researchers recommend culturally competent treatment strategies and policy interventions, as a way to increase physical activity and encourage healthy eating patterns in today's youth.

Overweight kids who mature into obese adults are at greater risk for early development of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, as well as certain types of cancers. Dr. Robert Berkowitz, MD, an associate professor at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, believes that successful weight loss requires a family commitment, with the child and parent addressing lifestyle modification, nutrition and physical
activity. The doctor recommends not overloading the child's plate at meal time. Three to four ounces of lean meat, a small baked potato, and salad or vegetables is an appropriate choice.

Teaching children a successful method of making appropriate food choices is made easier with the Traffic Light Diet. Children as young as eight can learn the caloric worth of food by assigning traffic light colors to the amount of caution they should take when filling their plates.

Red Light
Eat less of these high calorie food such as ice cream and french fries

Yellow Light
Use caution with these moderate calorie, healthier foods such as chicken and potatoes

Green Light
Eat more of these low calorie, low fat and fiber foods such as carrots, lettuce

Dr. Berkowitz also recommends not using food as a reward or punishment, as well as shifting the child's focus from sedentary activities like TV and video games, to sports like basketball or bicycle riding.

Children are overweight for a variety of reasons including genetic factors, lack of physical activity (the average child watches 24 hours of television a week), or unhealthy eating patterns. In rare instances a medical problem such as endocrine disease, will be the culprit. First make sure your child really is overweight. For borderline cases, pinpointing whether a child is overweight or not can be tricky. As your first step, consult with your pediatrician.

Source: AMA Science News JAMA dec 12 2001

Michael Stefano: New York City firefighter and author of The Firefighter's Workout Book, The 30 Minute-a-day Train-for-life Program for Men and Women Special Offer: Lose weight and get in shape with the FREE Train For Life Newsletter Subscribe at: http://www.firefightersworkout.com
Email:bravesst@optonline.net

10 Steps You Can Take

1. Be supportive of your child
2. Focus on family, not an individual
3. Increase family physical activity
4. Be a role model, set an example
5. Teach your children healthy eating habits
6. Encourage slow eating
7. Plan snacks in advance
8. Involve kids in shopping and preparing meals
9. Don't use food to reward or punish
10. If unsure what to do, consult with a certified dietician