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Obesity
and our Children M
i c h e l e L o e s c h
There are nine million overweight and obese children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control the percent of overweight children from ages 6-19 rose to 11% from 1963 to 2002. Childhood obesity has risen to epidemic proportions. This is an epidemic that continues to rise despite the constant attention from the media. As parents, teachers, coaches and professionals, it is our job to implement the changes that will reverse this epidemic. There are three key areas to look to for prevention; early feeding exposures to healthy foods, teaching parents how to create an environment of healthy choices and school-based intervention programs. Exposure to fruits and vegetables should begin during prenatal care. This is an effective time to intervene
when family is focusing attention on genetic risk, parental influence, and environmental factors. This is when new moms want
to help create the best start in life for their unborn child. Evidence from multiple studies has shown a relationship between breast feeding and reduced risk of obesity.
By the mother including fruits and vegetables into her daily diet, the new born child, too, will benefit from these better
food choices. The flavors from the mother’s diet are transmitted to the mother’s milk so the baby learns to like
a food’s taste when the mother eats these foods on a regular basis. Offering your baby plenty of opportunities to taste fruits and vegetables as they make the transition to solid
foods will ensure repeated exposure to healthy foods. Learning to like these tastes early on will help them establish good
eating habits. As parents we need to provide fruits for snacks and serve vegetables at dinner. Children need to be provided
with ample access to nutrient-dense foods, healthy beverages and high-fiber foods. Shaping the eating patterns of a child
in their pre-school years will have a tremendous influence on their eating habits for life. Education on good nutrition should not end once our children enter school. Teachers and educators need
to be vigilant about reinforcing good eating habits. Studies have been done confirming the transition from middle school to
high school teens decrease their intake of fruits and vegetables by almost one serving per day. Chances are they aren’t
even reaching the recommended nine to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables per day. As a community, we need to address the problem of obesity and increase our children’s availability
to fruits and vegetables at schools, restaurants and home. Maintaining a structured eating environment can help create healthy
eating habits. School based prevention
programs should be mandated in all school districts. Children are in school as much as they are at home. Much of their eating
and exercise takes place during school hours. Teachers are able to influence a child’s behavior towards the desired
aim for healthy eating. With intervention in the school, the teachers can be supportive and enhance motivation towards better
lifestyle choices. A study provided by Science
Daily confirmed that children, by the age of three are considered overweight. Obese children now have disease like Type II
Diabetes that used to only occur in adults. This puts them at a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,
sleep apnea and stroke. Incorporating activity
into a child’s life on a daily basis is a crucial part to preventing obesity and weight issues. There has been a decline
in the physical activity our children engage in due to flat screen TVs, computers and video games. As they enter the teenage
years, unless they are part of a sports team, most teens choose a sedentary life over a physically active one. Imagine less sick children, better grades in school, overall
healthier and stronger children who end their days filled with energy. As parents and teachers, for our children and ourselves,
there needs to be a joint effort and commitment to helping children establish good eating habits. Families should be educated
and empowered through prevention guidance to recognize the impact they have on their children’s development of lifelong
habits of physical activity and nutritious eating. They only have one body and how our children choose to treat it early on
will have an impact on their later years in life.
As Dr. Jack would say “Where there is movement, there is life.” Michele Loesch, ISSA Master Trainer Wellness Coach M
i c h e l e L o e s c h
Creating a new, scientifically based but yet
attainable application of Fitness, Healthy Eating, and Wellness Principles is a passion for Michele Loesch. |
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Dr. Jack Barnathan, Editor Authentic Nutrition - Précision Cuisine™
nystrength@mac.com 631.777.7800 CenterForStrength.com SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES / IDEAS TO:
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2009 Dr. Jack Barnathan, P.C. - All Rights Reserved
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