Two recent studies point out the dangers found in the rising obesity rates in young people. One study found that almost
seven percent of sixth graders in the United States are severely obese. The study, published in the Journal of
Adolescent Health, looked at over 6,000 middle school kids from across the country and found that nearly seven
percent of the students fell in the 99th percentile for body mass index (BMI). That top percentile carries the most danger
for increased health problems and continued weight problems as the students head into adulthood. This study gave no indication of total students who fell in the various overweight categories.
As the numbers of overweight youngsters rises, one of the dangers is that our perception of what constitutes overweight
is changing, as people become increasingly used to seeing heavier children. Researchers fear that this will prevent
kids from getting the help they need to stave off health problems associated with obesity.
A second study found that those who are severely obese as children have a 16 times greater chance than others of becoming severely obese adults. This study followed more than 8,000 young people for a period of 13 years. When researchers started the study in 1996, only one percent of the kids fell in the severely obese ranking. By 2009, almost
eight percent were in that category as children.
What these two studies indicate is an increase in both obesity and related health problems starting in childhood and
continuing into adulthood. Problems with the cardiovascular system, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other joint problems
, asthma, and high blood pressure are all closely related to obesity.
Childhood health advocates are scrambling to find ways to lower these rates. One of the key components in any weight
reduction plan is family support. It is vital to the success a young person's weight loss efforts. Community health
agencies play a role, but it is ultimately a group family effort.
As with all weight loss plans, the combination of healthy eating and increasing the amount of exercise are the basic
building blocks. Families can become involved in supporting each other in their weight loss goals. By learning nutrition
together and participating in outdoor activities, sports, or a family gym membership, everyone can become healthier and
lose those pounds.
school, at friends' homes, and at restaurants. Of course, there will be special occasions where a little slipping may
occur, but sticking to a low-calorie, healthy diet should be the general rule. Parents can definitely help kids by
introducing them to tasty food choices and healthy recipes.
Keeping attitudes positive and supportive goes a long way towards ensuring success. Weight loss plans should be
greeted with hopeful optimism, even when there are setbacks. The goal is to develop a new lifestyle that supports both
weight loss and good health for the rest of your child's life.
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How to Lose Weight In One Month - Pay Attention To Weight Loss Studies
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