According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. As opposed to being overweight, which occurs when a person has excess body weight due to water, bone, muscle, fat or a combination of these factors, being obese is defined as having too much body fat. More than one third of American adult and children were classified as obese in 2008.
Obese children have an elevated risk of a variety of health problems include pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems and increased risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease, explains the source. These children also typically face social problems while at school and around other children and may suffer from low self esteem.
Fortunately, Science Daily reports a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has found that meeting childhood obesity prevention goals is possible. The federal government has set benchmarks for the reduction of childhood obesity rates in America by 2020. Additionally, First Lady Michelle Obama launched her Let’s Move campaign to address the concern in 2010.
The study found if American children would eliminate an average of 64 excess calories per a day, these prevention goals could be met. This could be done either by eating less or exercising more, researchers explain.
“Sixty-four calories may not sound like much individually, but it’s quite a consequential number at the population level, and children at greatest risk for obesity face an even larger barrier,” said lead study author Y. Claire Wang, MD, of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
Researchers found, however, not all children could reach these goals by eliminating 64 calories. Instead, those who were more obese would need to eliminate a larger number of calories. Children from lower-income communities may need greater reductions. Additionally, Mexican-American youth need to eliminate an average of 91 calories, black youths 138 calories and white youths need to eliminate 46 calories.
Parents will likely have the greatest influence over an obese child’s ability to restrict excess calories and meet obesity prevention goals. By encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and eating habits, families can work toward lowering the risk of children becoming obese and helping obese children lose weight.
Parents may also want to set a good example for their children by maintaining their own weight. An all-natural supplement from Dr. Newton’s Naturals can help. Dr. Agin’s Skinny D has been found to promote healthy, rapid weight loss and is a diabetic-friendly formula.
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