We're killing our children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of American children and teens ages six to 19 are overweight. Since 1980, the number of overweight children between ages six and 11 has more than doubled, and the rate of overweight teens has more than tripled. This means more young people are at risk for developing potentially life-threatening type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma and psychological issues, such as low self-esteem and depression. To make matters worse, according to a recent report in the British Medical Journal, children don't tend to outgrow their "baby" fat. Researchers found that children who were overweight at 11 were just as likely to be overweight at 16.

I have written about this subject before, yet, somehow, I feel compelled to comment on it again when I see these statistics. For advice to parents and caregivers on how to deal with it, I spoke with obesity and nutrition expert William Dietz, MD, PhD, at the CDC...

THE PROBLEM

More meals eaten outside the home, the easy availability of inexpensive fast food, larger portion sizes and aggressive TV advertising of junk foods all add up to overweight children. But in the long run, as usual, it boils down to this: Most children are getting fatter because they're moving less and eating more.

THE SOLUTION

The solution for children is the same as for adults -- exercise more and eat less. However, this is a tricky group to bring around. Children are coping with all sorts of complicated and confusing messages and issues, and it's up to us as parents and caregivers to guide them through this thicket and get them back in shape. This is especially true for grandparents. Keep in mind that while part of the fun of being a grandparent is "spoiling" your grandchildren, spoiling them with unhealthy food choices is actually destroying them. There are many other ways to shower grandchildren with love that don't include food consumption -- play a game... teach them to knit... show them old family photos... buy a pet goldfish that lives at grandma and grandpa's house, etc. Be creative.

According to Dr. Dietz, early parenting decisions set the stage, for better or worse. He points out that breastfeeding reduces the child's risk for obesity later in life. Other things to think about: Do you put water in the bottle or sippy cup instead of juice? How much TV are you going to allow your toddler to watch? You don't need to put him/her in an exercise program, says Dr. Dietz, but you should provide ample opportunity for outdoor play.

Additional strategies...

• Be a good role model. Parents who watch more TV have children who watch more TV, and children eat the way their parents eat, observes Dr. Dietz. If you dine on chicken nuggets and french fries, your child is likely to do the same. Instead, opt for baked chicken and salad, and whenever possible make it yourself at home.

• Always have healthy snacks on hand. Welcome your hungry kids home from school with a colorful plate of baby carrots, sliced red peppers, nuts, sunflower seeds and celery filled with peanut butter.

• Don't keep unhealthy foods in the house. If there are no soft drinks, potato chips, bologna or white bread available, your child can't snack on them. (And neither can you.)

• Emphasize whole foods rather than processed foods or beverages. A piece of fruit contains more fiber and nutrients than fruit juice. If your child insists on fruit juice, dilute it by half with water.

• Turn off the TV. On average, children watch three to four hours of television daily, and the more TV, the more obesity. Dr. Dietz points out that 50% of American families have the TV on during meals, and studies in adults have shown that this leads to higher calorie intake.

• Eat meals as a family. Getting together at the table and sharing the day's news is not only nurturing, it's also likely to add fewer calories than mindlessly shoveling in food in front of the TV, says Dr. Dietz.

• Never use food as a reward or punishment. Don't offer candy or cookies as bribes for good behavior, or withhold dessert when your child is acting up.

• Avoid fad diets. They usually don't work anyway, and can do far more harm than good.

• Build more activity into family time. Instead of going out to a movie, go for a bike ride or a swim or simply a walk in the woods.

• Support your child. Overweight kids already feel bad about themselves, so make sure you let your children know you love them unconditionally no matter how much they weigh.

• Consult your physician. If your child is overweight, it is especially important to get regular medical care, advises Dr. Dietz. He/she needs to be monitored for possible problems such as high blood pressure and/or diabetes. Additionally, your doctor can help you devise a safe exercise program and refer you to a nutritionist if necessary.

WORTH THE EXTRA TIME AND EFFORT

Helping your child with weight management may seem like a daunting task. Sure, it takes more time to shop for a meal, cook it and clean up than picking up fast food on the way home from the office. Or, maybe you have some work you want to finish up after dinner instead of going for a walk or bike ride with your child. And, at the end of a long hard day, it's easier to say "yes" to treats and television than it is to say "no" and have an argument. Keep in mind, however, that the extra time and effort you put into raising your child now will make him/her happier and healthier not only today but for the rest of his/her life.

Be well,

Carole Jackson
Bottom Line's Daily Health News

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