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 Recently, the surgeon general issued an urgent call for the nation to fight its growing weight problem. This statement was sparked at least in part by epidemic levels of childhood obesity. We live in an age of ever-increasing technology combined with an abundance of readily available food sources. In a modern industrial society where technology benefits our lifestyle, it also has a tendency to make many of us sedentary. Unfortunately, this is having devastating effects on our children. Recent federal figures alarmingly reveal that the percentage of overweight youngsters from ages 6-11 has tripled since the 1960's. Also, 1 out of 7 children is obese, with severe cases as young as age 2. Another troubling reality is the fact that children are 20% to 30% heavier now than 10 years ago. Obesity in my opinion is the greatest health issue facing our nation. I might add an especially unwanted malady for a country currently under terrorist attack. I would venture to say that eliminating obesity would put a massive dent in those needing early advanced health care. Obesity can lead to a laundry list of various ailments and illnesses, many very serious in nature. Coronary artery disease, hypertension, osteo-arthritis, cancer, diabetes - just to name a few. However, the good news is that obesity is a condition that can be remedied by a sound nutritional strategy and exercise. What can we do to alter this and/or reverse this situation in our children? Well, first we must overcome denial and acknowledge honestly if there is a problem. We should be able to recognize this through our pediatrician and our own observations of a child with a weight disorder.
As with most technologically advanced nations, we are a culture which consumes large amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Most undeveloped nations do not share this similarity. They also do not suffer from high levels of obesity. What do children generally like to eat? How about candy, ice cream, pop, cookies and cakes - all loaded with refined sugar. What about French fries, pizza, chips, fast foods - all fraught with fat and starches. These foods are all staples in our modern industrial culture. Combine these typical cultural snack habits with inactivity and we have a recipe for disaster - childhood obesity. Well, we now recognize the problem and we understand the reasons why. However, what do we do? As parents and adults, we need to be good role models. If we want our children to be more active, we need to both encourage this and increase our own levels of activity. We should also take the same approach with nutrition; we must lead the way. A good start is with breakfast especially when studies show that children who miss breakfast perform worse in school than those who eat a nutritious morning meal. Most experts agree that the worst thing we can do is put children on a restrictive diet. This places the child's basic biological needs at risk and should be avoided. The CDC (Center of Disease Control) advocates programs that maintain their weight using their growth to reduce levels of fat. We can alter their food choices to regulate the amount of refined sugar, fats and starches they ingest. Nutritious choices help children avoid hunger.
Most experts also agree that raising levels of their activity is the most recommended approach. Limiting T.V., game boy, video games and computer time may be a needed tool in the anti-obesity arsenal. Walk instead of taking the car as much as possible. Family hikes, outdoor activities, walks after evening meals - all are useful in burning excess calories. Unfortunately, obese children often have obese parents. Whether this is a factor or not, this situation should be addressed by the entire family.
The choices are ours, including our willingness to get off the couch. For our sake and our children's, let's make the right choices.
© 2004, Steve Courson. All rights Reserved.
Click to go back to Steve Courson's 2004 Newsletters
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CHILDHOOD OBESITY: AN OMINOUS FORESHADOW OF THE FUTURE?
We also need to recognize as a society some of the cultural aspects of this dilemma. We are a society whose children sit in front of T.V. sets, game boys and computers. You can't burn off fat sitting.
Oatmeal is a better breakfast choice than sugar cereals; eggs are better than pancakes drowned in sugar syrup. Low-fat milk is better than fruit juices; remember they contain sugar. Late night snacks should be especially scrutinized. Fruit, veggies, low-fat milk, yogurt, popcorn and pretzels are better than snack cakes, pop and other sweet tooth favorites.
Supportive parents need to be role models and if need be, work on their weight issues together. A healthier family is ultimately going to be a happier family. Obesity is not something we should feel guilty about; it can, for multiple reasons, happen to anyone. What is disheartening is if we are unable or unwilling to do something about it, or seek help especially when it is reversible.
Eating is something most of us enjoy. Proper eating can lead to superior health if we eat smart. Conversely, poor eating habits can lead to physical ruin and premature death as readily as drug abuse and other social poisons.