True Lemon – One of the Healthy Weapons Against Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity causes health dangers throughout life.
Causes: not enough exercise and too much high-calorie food and drink.
Manufacturers pledge to reduce high-calorie foods.
What you can do for your kids.
Did you know that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years? Today, an estimated 20 percent of American kids are obese. These frightening statistics motivated First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let’s Move" campaign. In May, 2010, the campaign released 70 recommendations targeted at bringing the obesity statistic down to five percent by 2030.
Childhood obesity causes health dangers throughout life
Being overweight as a kid is no joke. In addition to social problems like low-self esteem and being made fun of, obese youth are more likely to be at risk for cardiovascular diseases like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems and sleep apnea.
And as adults, these obese youth are more likely to be overweight as well, and therefore are more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis.
The causes: not enough exercise and too much access to high-calorie food and drink
Today, many kids have little or no time to be active at school and live in areas without room to play. At the same time, they have easy access to junk foods and sugary drinks in school, at stores and at fast-food restaurants.
An estimated 89 percent of food advertisements that kids and teens see on TV are for unhealthy foods. Eating fast food and drinking sweetened beverages can result in a child gaining an extra six pounds per year. What's more, a school district study found that when children gain access to high-calorie, high-fat food they eat fewer fruits, vegetables and less milk.
Manufacturers pledge to reduce high-calorie foods
In response to Michelle Obama's war on childhood obesity, major food manufacturers have pledged to introduce more healthful options, cut portion sizes and trim calories in existing products. The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a coalition including Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kellogg, Kraft Foods and PepsiCo, has pledged to slash 1 trillion calories by the end of 2012 and 1.5 trillion calories by the end of 2015. The 16 members make 20-25 percent of food consumed in the United States.
The companies' progress will be assessed by the Partnership for a Healthier America every year. If any one of the companies doesn't meet its target, all of the companies will be held responsible.
What you can do for your kids
To lose weight, kids need plenty of exercise. They also need to be trained to eat better. Marlo Mittler, a registered dietitian specializing in Pediatrics, Adolescents and Family Nutrition recommends these strategies to improve childhood eating habits:- Ditch the high-calorie juices and sodas. Make water taste great with 0 calorie True Lemon instead. It's very important that your family drinks water, especially in the summer months or during sports participation. Adults need 6-8 glasses of water, kids need at least 4-6 glasses.
- Include fruits or vegetables of three colors in meals. The rich colors of foods are related to its phytonutrients. Phytonutrients in plants protect the body from environmental factors and cell damage.
- Trade white foods for brown. Brown rice, whole wheat pastas and whole grain breads are rich in fiber and help in maintaining healthy weight. For a slow transition, mix the white and the brown so that your family gets used to the change.
Helpful links
- Center for Disease Control: Addressing Obesity
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Sources
Center for Disease Control
Let’s Move
Marlo Mittler, RD
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Washington Post
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