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

The Illinois state Senate has passed legislation that would ban the use of trans fats in all schools that participate in the state lunch program.

"As the number of reports of childhood obesity rises, at least eight states have limited the use of trans fats in foods, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. California has an outright ban on trans fats in school meals, and Oregon doesn't let schools sell snacks with trans fats."

Now that the bill has been approved the by the Senate, it moves on to the House, where it's expected to pass as well. From there, the bill would have to be signed into law by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Labels: fats, legislation, schools

The University of Western Ontario has developed a summer day camp specifically for overweight and obese children who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This brand of diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes because it only appeared in overweight or obese adults.

"[Camp] activities include everything from hiking and aquatics to sports and games. Participants will be divided into groups to enhance team cohesion and social support, which will also allow for friendly competition. In addition, there will be a weekly activity-based field trip."

The day camp will also include weekend education sessions for the whole family. Implementation of the camp program was made possible by a $150,000 grant from the Lawson Foundation. Source: Western News (publication of the University of Western Ontario