chance against obesity
By GUEST COMMENTARY BY DENNIS B. WOO, M.D. WELCOME
There is an obesity epidemic sweeping across our country and, in too many cases, the problems begin at an early age.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control, today’s children are considerably heavier than their counterparts were just 50 years ago. In some parts of the United States, more than 20 percent of school-age children are overweight.
In addition to being teased and ridiculed, an overweight child is at greater risk for serious health problems, including Type-II diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. By encouraging and participating in dietary and lifestyle changes, parents can help guide their children toward better health.
Children, like adults, gain excess weight when calories consumed exceed those expended to support body function. Today’s children are constantly tempted by an abundance of advertising for high-calorie foods with little nutritional value. Additionally, portions have grown out of control in our “super-sized” society.
Lack of physical activity also contributes to weight gain. Many schools have reduced or eliminated physical education due to funding cuts, and children spend much more time indoors, whether in classrooms or at home in front of television and computer screens.
For a small percentage of overweight children, the cause is medically based. But the vast majority of cases are simply due to ingesting too many calories and getting too little exercise. That’s where parents must lead by example and play an active role in helping children — and themselves — make lasting changes in eating and exercise habits.
Is my child overweight? That’s a question I’m often asked in my practice. As physicians, we use a calculation called “Body Mass Index” (BMI) to diagnose and track the progress of an overweight child. However, common sense and observation are equally important tools. If your child appears overweight, he or she probably is.
Here are some suggestions to help your child lose weight: Junk the junk food. Remove foods and drinks high in sugar and fat from your kitchen, thereby limiting temptations for children at home. Doing so also sends a strong message that the entire family can live without these foods.
Stock healthy snacks. When children get the munchies, they usually reach for the most available foods. So, keep fresh fruits and vegetables, other healthy snacks and low-calorie drinks or water nearby.
Set the example when setting the table. Serve healthy, balanced meals that include lean protein, as well as fruits and vegetables, and eat what you expect your children to eat. Avoid fad dieting that might seem like punishment to them and only offer a “quick fix” anyway. Teaching children positive messages about food will encourage them to eat healthfully now and throughout their lifetime.
Exercise. Encourage children to become more physically active because regular exercise can play an important role in their long-term weight management and wellness. Limit their television time and sedentary activities such as video and computer games. Encourage them to get involved in organized physical activities. Coached activities, such as soccer, martial arts or dancing, prompt children to try harder, learn teamwork and get more satisfaction from exercise.
A healthy bottom line begins with you. By setting the example through lifestyle choices that emphasize proper nutrition and regular exercise, you can help your children adopt the same healthy habits. (Dr. Dennis B. Woo is a board-certified pediatrician with the UCLA Medical Group in Santa Monica and chairman of the pediatrics department at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 24, 2004. Read the original PDF.