Childhood obesity has become a growing health concern, with 15 percent of children in the United States who are overweight.
In children as young as 7, carotid arteries, those responsible for carrying blood to the head, are becoming thick and stiff. Studies have shown children suffering from obesity are at the beginning stages of coronary artery disease.
Children who are overweight have also displayed signs of insulin-resistance, which puts them at a greater risk for developing diabetes.
A study was conducted in order to determine the health differences between obese children and children of normal weight. They compared 100 overweight children to 47 normal weight children, all ranging from ages 6-14.
Researchers Concluded:
Obese children have higher blood cholesterol
The average blood pressure for obese children reached 120/76, compared to the average blood pressure for normal weight children of 98/65
Parents and doctors need to support obese children in achieving a healthy weight. By offering their aid, parents and doctors will be able to prevent children from the risk factors associated with childhood obesity.
Yahoo News September 27, 2004
It's a shame that 15 percent of children are suffering from the overwhelming obesity epidemic in the Unites States. This is aside from the fact that over two thirds of the overall population is overweight or obese and another 20 percent or so have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure related to elevated insulin levels.
The prevention of childhood obesity is far easier than applying treatment options, although much of the success of prevention depends on parental involvement. Setting guidelines and educating children on good nutrition through providing them with nutritious meals and snacks will put them on the road to making healthy decisions as adults.
Dr. Ben Lerner and I will be writing a book later this year about this problem and hope to offer some very specific practical guidelines that should have a major impact on this obesity epidemic.
Until the book comes out, here are the three of the most effective ways to help your child maintain an ideal weight:
Determine your child's nutritional type and plan their meals according to their individual type. (I also encourage you to read my book Total Health Program to gain a deeper understanding on this topic)
Encourage your child to exercise at least half an hour a day
Turn off the television
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