The health risks of obesity are well-known and are at the heart of the current battle against childhood obesity. But a new study suggests that heavy adults are also at greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders.

"Using data from a national health survey of more than 40,000 Americans, researchers found that obese adults were up to twice as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as normal-weight adults."

Researchers are unclear exactly what the link is between obesity and psychiatric disorders, but the use of psychiatric drugs - which can cause weight gain - was not a factor.

Labels: adults, mental_health, psychiatric_disorders

Over 30% of American teens use energy drinks, according to a study by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine. A typical drink is between 12 and 16 ounces, with 50 to 145 milligrams of caffeine in every eight ounces. A cup of coffee has 100 milligrams and a regular cola has 35 milligrams per eight ounces. Some high schools have already banned the sale of energy drinks in their cafeterias and vending machines. Popular brands are Spike, Wired, Freek, Buzz, and Red Bull.

Worried your teen isn't getting proper nutrition? Learn more about healthy eating at WeightLossCentral.org.

Labels: caffeine, healthy_eating, soft_drinks

As concerns over childhood obesity continue to build, parents and caregivers have the unenviable responsibility of helping children learn how to make healthy choices about their food and level of physical activity. A contributing writer at About.com offered ten tips for getting kids to eat good food.

"1. Prepare healthy meals together. Engaging children in the preparation of kid-friendly healthy dishes is so fun and so very messy, but children are more likely to eat something that they've helped to prepare."

Other tips included: Take Children Grocery Shopping, Plan a Family Taste Test, and Show Kids How to Grow Food. Habits developed during childhood often stay with a person throughout his or her life, so setting a healthy example is important. Source: About.com

Learn more about healthy eating and exercise at Weight Loss Central.

Labels: families, having_fun, healthy_eating

The program TrimKids was created 18 years ago by an exercise physiology professor who wanted to encourage entire families to get fit together. The program has been implemented into several New Orleans-area YMCAs.

"Through weekly meetings, nutrition lessons, exercise sessions and visits with behavior counselors, children learn how to control their weight and make healthy choices."

Louisiana's obesity rate is currently higher than the national average. A trend it's hoping to change through programs like TrimKids. Source: The Times - Picayune

Labels: exercise, families, nutrition

Obesity is a real problem for millions of kids and their parents. Most parents are aware of the dangers posed by childhood obesity, but may not know what to do about it.

"If you have concerns about your child's weight, talk with their doctor. Physicians typically don't want to put a young child on a calorie-restrictive diet, especially when a few modifications in the child's habits may make the difference."

Physicians may recommend cutting soft drinks and other high-sugar beverages. Also, be sure your child eats breakfast; skipping breakfast doubles the risk of obesity. Source: Naperville Sun

Labels: actions, parents, pediatricians

A study conducted by researchers in Cambridge, Massachusetts has found that some diet and weight-loss drugs may not be safe for children.

"In research with mice, they found this class of drugs suppresses the adaptive rewiring of the brain necessary for neural development in young animals."

The drugs are appetite suppressants that work by blocking certain receptors in the brain, but these receptors play a key role in overall brain development. Extreme caution is advised when using, or considering using, these types of drugs for children. Source: MentalHelp.net.

Labels: appetite_suppressants, brain_development, diet_pills

Researchers have found that communities with an abundance of fast-food and convenience stores have much higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

"Dr. Francine Kaufman, one of the nation's leading childhood diabetes experts, said the new research demonstrates that staying healthy is not simply a matter of personal responsibility."

Dr. Kaufman works with programs that help small neighborhood markets buy refrigerators so they can sell fresh produce. Source: Detroit News

Labels: community, fast_food, junk_food

With childhood obesity becoming more and more of an issue, parents are eager to keep their kids healthy and help them lose weight. But the well-meaning words and actions of parents can backfire, causing kids to resort to disordered eating in order to lose weight. A group of teens recently talked with U.S. News and World Report about the things they wished their parents had never said.

"Maybe this new diet will help. 'I'm always hearing about how bad food is; they showed Super Size Me, [a documentary about the dangers of fast food] in school,' says [Leah] Schumacher. 'I would have like to have learned from my parents or teachers about the positives of food, like why I need some fat to build cells and what fruits and vegetables do for my body.'"

All of the girls interviewed were undergoing treatment for eating disorders which they feel they developed, in part, because of comments from parents and friends. Source: U.S. News and World Report

Labels: eating_disorders, healthy_eating, pressures

The health risks associated with childhood obesity are well-documented and well-known. What many parents don't know is how much simple dietary changes can reduce a child's risk of becoming obese.

"In Philadelphia, five schools revised their cafeteria menus. They got rid of the sodas and replaced them with water, low-fat milk and 100 percent fruit juice. They also made sure that the snacks in the vending machines and cafeterias met certain nutritional requirements. Parents were also encouraged to give their children more fruits and vegetables."

A team of researchers then tracked Philadelphia students from fourth through sixth grade. They found that twice as many students became obese in the schools that did not revise their menus and snacks. Source: OnHealthyLiving.com.

Labels: diet, health_risks, nutrition

In response to growing concerns over childhood obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a set of recommendations regarding children's physical activity and the amount of time they spend in front of televisions and computer screens.

"Boys should take at least 11,000 steps a day. Girls should take at least 13,000 steps a day and children should limit total screen time to two hours a day."

A new study has tested these recommendations and found that children who didn't follow them were three to four times more likely to be overweight or obese. Source: Science Daily

Labels: activity, computers, exercise