News
What about the kids?
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| The culprit: Too much television, armed with increasing popular video game systems, could lead to childrens' inactivity, a contributing factor in continuously increasing obesity rates. (Thelma Grimes/photo.) |
At current rate, parents will outlive their children
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
In America, there are more than nine million children between the ages of 6 and 19 who are now classified as overweight or obese. This number, according to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, has more than tripled since 1980.
In additions to those already overweight, another 15 percent are at risk of becoming overweight.
The trends of obesity in America are alarming enough for adults, but now, more and more experts say they are looking at the younger generation and worry about what the future holds.
Dr. Carter Mayberry said more and more studies say that parents are going to outlive their children due to the health risks associated with obesity. More children are being diagnosed with diabetes every year, more are facing heart problems, and if the trend continues, will enter adulthood with several strikes against them.
According to a study produced by the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, nearly one-third of U.S. children between the ages of 4 and 19 eat fast food every day, resulting in approximately six extra pounds per year, per child. Fast food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970.
Mayberry said many parents don't even realize their children are obese, making comments that they are no different than their friends. The problem with that, is their friends are overweight as well.
"Parents of an obese or overweight child may not think there's a problem because family members may be big, and their friends are big," Mayberry said. "But put it on the charts, and you will find they are definitely overweight."
A body mass index (BMI) is an indirect measure of a child's body fat, and applies to everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. The number is generated from a BMI formula using a child's height and weight. To check a child's BMI log on to http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/bmicalculator.html.
As weight trends continue to go up, Mayberry and Marilyn Hendricks, a clinical dietitian, said parents are going to have to start setting the example when it comes to eating, and they are going to have to make some tough decisions to limit video games and television time.
Experts agree that inactivity and poor eating habits contribute to obesity. While national guidelines recommend 150 minutes of physical activity each week for elementary children and 225 minutes for older children, only the state of Illinois has a statewide requirement for daily physical education.
At home, Hendricks said children have to snack, but they should be healthy. She said parents should be eating healthier to set a good example, and Mayberry said adults should be setting stricter rules that limit television and video games to an hour a day, setting the rest of time aside for physical activity outside.
However, Mayberry said the reality of the situation is it will take lifestyle changes in households across America to stop the increasing number of overweight and obese children, and the problem will likely get worse before it gets better.
Tips for setting healthy goals
- Never crash diet. Dieters should lose an average of one pound per week.
- Substitute foods for children and adults instead of eliminating them. Find healthier snacks, eat less at meal time.
- Drinks contribute to weight gain. Cut down on soda. Even diet soda, fruit juices and whole milk can add unnecessary calories to your daily intake. Drink more water and no-calorie drinks for hydration.
- Gradual changes are best for losing weight for adults and children. Ease into a diet, and plan meals ahead of time.
- Try not to banish certain foods when dieting. Don't tell yourself that you can never have something because you will find yourself craving it. People need to eat fats to be healthy. Just make sure you're eating them in moderation.
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
In America, there are more than nine million children between the ages of 6 and 19 who are now classified as overweight or obese. This number, according to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, has more than tripled since 1980.
In additions to those already overweight, another 15 percent are at risk of becoming overweight.
The trends of obesity in America are alarming enough for adults, but now, more and more experts say they are looking at the younger generation and worry about what the future holds.
Dr. Carter Mayberry said more and more studies say that parents are going to outlive their children due to the health risks associated with obesity. More children are being diagnosed with diabetes every year, more are facing heart problems, and if the trend continues, will enter adulthood with several strikes against them.
According to a study produced by the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, nearly one-third of U.S. children between the ages of 4 and 19 eat fast food every day, resulting in approximately six extra pounds per year, per child. Fast food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970.
Mayberry said many parents don't even realize their children are obese, making comments that they are no different than their friends. The problem with that, is their friends are overweight as well.
"Parents of an obese or overweight child may not think there's a problem because family members may be big, and their friends are big," Mayberry said. "But put it on the charts, and you will find they are definitely overweight."
A body mass index (BMI) is an indirect measure of a child's body fat, and applies to everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. The number is generated from a BMI formula using a child's height and weight. To check a child's BMI log on to http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/bmicalculator.html.
As weight trends continue to go up, Mayberry and Marilyn Hendricks, a clinical dietitian, said parents are going to have to start setting the example when it comes to eating, and they are going to have to make some tough decisions to limit video games and television time.
Experts agree that inactivity and poor eating habits contribute to obesity. While national guidelines recommend 150 minutes of physical activity each week for elementary children and 225 minutes for older children, only the state of Illinois has a statewide requirement for daily physical education.
At home, Hendricks said children have to snack, but they should be healthy. She said parents should be eating healthier to set a good example, and Mayberry said adults should be setting stricter rules that limit television and video games to an hour a day, setting the rest of time aside for physical activity outside.
However, Mayberry said the reality of the situation is it will take lifestyle changes in households across America to stop the increasing number of overweight and obese children, and the problem will likely get worse before it gets better.
Tips for setting healthy goals
- Never crash diet. Dieters should lose an average of one pound per week.
- Substitute foods for children and adults instead of eliminating them. Find healthier snacks, eat less at meal time.
- Drinks contribute to weight gain. Cut down on soda. Even diet soda, fruit juices and whole milk can add unnecessary calories to your daily intake. Drink more water and no-calorie drinks for hydration.
- Gradual changes are best for losing weight for adults and children. Ease into a diet, and plan meals ahead of time.
- Try not to banish certain foods when dieting. Don't tell yourself that you can never have something because you will find yourself craving it. People need to eat fats to be healthy. Just make sure you're eating them in moderation.
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