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Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child?
We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!
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The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
We invite you to add your comments - if you have feedback for the blog, would like some specific topics covered, or you just want to share your experience as a parent dealing with childhood obesity.
On July 5, bicyclists in central Minnesota set out in an attempt to break the Guinness record for the world's largest bike parade. The event is being organized by BLEND (Better Living: Exercise and Nutrition Daily). "Bicyclists gathered Saturday afternoon at Whitney Park in St. Cloud for a 2-mile ride. Organizers say they will document the attempt and have it submitted to Guinness World Records.... and it's all part of the effort to combat childhood obesity." The current bike parade record is 2,152, set earlier this year in Taiwan. Organizers of the July 5 event are hoping for more than 2,500 participants. Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune Labels: community, exercise
While it may be true that interactive games like those made for Nintendo's Wii console encourage players to get up and move, a study has determined that these games don't keep children active enough to keep them healthy. One example of research that was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine was the discovery that real tennis is 77 percent more physically demanding than the video version. "The study authors calculated that in a typical week, a child who played Wii sports would use about 2% more energy than one playing sedentary computer games. They said the increase was 'trivial', and the activity was not intense enough to be counted in the recommended daily amount of physical activity." Though Wii-like gaming may offer some benefit to a child's metabolic health, the research is inconclusive in this area. The bottom line, experts say, is that virtual tennis or boxing are no substitute for the real thing. Source: Sydney Morning Herald Labels: exercise, sports, video_games
Ray McNulty from Treasure Coast Newspapers in Florida was feeling nostalgic. In his column, he reminisces about all the time he spent with his dad when he was a kid. His dad taught him to box, play sports, and enjoy being active and healthy, but few of today's kids are getting that same experience. "...kids need more activity than the P.E. they get in school. That's the only exercise some kids get. That's got to change. And it's up to you fathers out there to change it - the way your kids eat and play and think." Turn off the video games, McNulty encourages. Pick up a ball and teach your kids that sports can be fun, even when they're not played on a screen. Source: Treasure Coast Newspapers Labels: activity, exercise, sports
People who carry pedometers or set walking goals for themselves end up walking as much as an extra mile every day, according to a study in the November 21, 2007, edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Pedometers are small devices that count steps when you walk. Researchers at Stanford Medical School examined the records of 2,767 people and found that pedometers and walking goals helped them get more exercise, lose weight, and slightly improve their blood pressure. "The bottom line is that everything works for a month," said Dr. Robert Lustig, lead author. "Everything novel works. If you have the motivation, a pedometer helps. If you don't, it's useless." Labels: exercise, walking
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
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
Debra Zarella isn't a certified physical trainer, but she has plenty of clients. When they're not working out, they're probably watching cartoons, playing video games, or practicing their spelling. Zarella designed her Healthy Kidz fitness club for just that - kids. "Every piece of equipment in the gym is pint-sized to meet the needs of its pint-sized clients. Gym owner Debra Zarella got the idea after her own gym fell short for her seven-year-old daughter." A typical workout consists of a warm-up on the treadmill and three rounds of strength-building on hydraulic resistance machines. A dietitian and nutritionist are onsite as well, and each training session costs just $15. Read more at ABC-7.com. Labels: exercise, parents, role_models
Barbara Jones Slater became, at 15 years old, the youngest woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal. It's a record she still holds. Now, at 71, she's encouraging young people to be active. She recently spoke at a conference aimed at fighting childhood obesity. "The conference - 'Healthy Cultures, Healthy Kansas: Moving Forward' - was sponsored by the Center for Health Disparities at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. It kicked off April as National Minority Health Month, said Sharon Goolsby, program director for the Center..." About 150 people attended this third annual conference, which included breakout sessions and a wellness center that offered health screenings and chair massages. Read more at CJOnline.com. Labels: activity, exercise, role_models
North Carolina has unveiled a new program called "Be Active HOPS" that uses a blend of media, technology, and physical activity to help kids get more exercise. "The program uses vibrant video presentations using music and graphics to lead students through exercise sessions, celebrities who appear as the video instructors - they coach, encourage and inspire kids to get moving... [and] a variety of activities and expertise that physical education instructors love." A four-month impartial study of the Be Active HOPS program found that the program provides a more efficient use of physical education class time than traditional methods. Read more at WNCT.com. Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas is a year-round boarding school for overweight and obese teens. Wellspring Academies are the world's most effective programs for weight loss. Designed for children, teens, and young adults ages 11-24, students at our Academies demonstrate the best documented outcomes of any non-surgical weight loss intervention for any age group. There's also a summer camp option in North Carolina - Wellspring Adventure Camp North Carolina is the most fun, most effective summer program for weight loss and behavioral change ever developed for children and younger teens. Labels: activity, exercise, technology
Mississippi is often ranked 1st or 2nd in childhood obesity. In an effort to get scales moving in the opposite direction, former Miss Mississippi contestant Catherine Carter helped develop an exercise program called "You Gotta Move." "[Carter] says this is important because it educates children about the importance of daily exercise, and it shows them at an early age that it is fun to be fit and healthy. Pediatricians are reporting more frequent cases of obesity related diseases in children such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol." You Gotta Move was created for use in kindergarten through 2nd grade classrooms. The DVD contains exercises that kids can do right at their desks. Read more at WLBT.com. Labels: activity, exercise, schools
While parents are working out at the Cooper Aerobics Center in McKinney, Texas, their kids are getting a workout of their own. The center has created "The Corral", a kids' play area complete with interactive video games using both Nintendo's Wii and the Cybex Trazer. "Both machines incorporate movement with game play. The Wii uses a wireless wand that lets kids do everything from play tennis and baseball to race a cow over rows of scarecrows. The Trazer uses a sensor on a belt buckle that gets kids to jump, dodge and throw in games where kids compete with a virtual soccer goalie and jump and reach to keep exploding bombs from falling on them." Fitness director David McGarry said the idea for The Corral came as a response to growing childhood obesity concerns. He wanted to create something more than just a daycare center. So far, The Corral is a big hit among both kids and parents. Read more at McKinneyMessenger.com. Labels: exercise, gyms, video_games
As the British government continues trying to tackle the problem of childhood obesity, plans are in the works to limit the amount of time children spend playing video games. "Popular consoles such as the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii can be fitted with devices to restrict the amount of time children use them and parents could be given advice on how to activate these limiters." Schools may also begin enforcing nutritional standards, not just on school-provided meals, but on meals that students bring from home as well. Read more at Telegraph.co.uk. Labels: activity, exercise, video_games
In the Las Cruces Public Schools (New Mexico), health and nutrition expert Barbara Berger has outlined suggestions for increasing students' physical activity; by using activity - instead of food - as a reward. "Children love being active, so it seems logical that activity be used as a real reward. Instead of celebrating with a pizza party or an ice cream social in class, try a fun outing such as a nature walk or a game of tag... For older students, how about a jump rope contest, H-O-R-S-E (basketball shooting game) or playing with hula hoops?" By substituting activity for food, kids not only learn to more greatly appreciate and enjoy physical activity but they reduce the risk of develop unhealthy attitudes towards food. Read more at LCSun-News.com. Labels: exercise, rewards, schools
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that the average American child spends 44 hours a week in front of an electronic screen (computer, television, etc.). As concern over childhood obesity continues, people like Richard Louv – author of "Last Child in the Woods" – are suggesting that it's time for families to schedule less and play more. "...a growing wave of research indicates that children who spend time outdoors are healthier, overall, than their indoor counterparts. Children who regularly spend unstructured time outside play more creatively, have lower stress levels, have more active imaginations, become more active and fitter, develop stronger immune systems, experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD, have greater respect for themselves, for others and for the environment." To give parents some ideas for outdoor play, the National Wildlife Federation has created a website: www.greenhour.org on which it offers ideas for backyard adventures and outdoor exploration. Labels: exercise, fitness, playgrounds
This winter, the Canadian Ski Council is again offering its Grade5 SnowPass program. The program, aimed at 10-year-olds, gives kids a free, day-long skiing or snowboarding pass at each of the participating resorts. "The Canadian Ski Council is launching this year's annual SnowPass program in an effort to expose kids to winter sports, and in particular to skiing and snowboarding. Skiing and snowboarding can provide a full day of fun and exercise for the entire family. In fact, a day on the hill can burn up to 2000 calories. Studies also show that involving kids in outdoor sports leads to active lifestyles later in life." Obesity rates are steadily increasing in Canada, and kids especially at risk of developing unhealthy lifestyles during the winter when most would choose to stay inside and play videogames. Applications for the SnowPass program are available online at ww.snowpass.ca. Labels: exercise, lifestyle, winter_sports
New York Sports Clubs (NYSC), the largest operator of fitness clubs in New York, and Snapple are hosting a 24-hour spin-a-thon to raise awareness and money to fight childhood obesity. The event will take place on January 18, 2008 at the Grand Central Terminal in New York City. "Corporate sponsors or individual riders will contribute a minimum of $100 an hour to participate in Saints and Spinners and all proceeds raised will benefit HealthCorps, the student health education program founded by 'Oprah's Doctor' Mehmet Oz in response to America's childhood obesity crisis. The goal of the event is to raise $375,000 to fund 5 new HealthCorps programs - one for a high school in each borough of New York City." One-hundred riders will participate at a time, for 55-minute intervals, with each interval being led by a "Celebrity Spinner". This will be the largest spinning event in New York City History. Labels: awareness, celebrities, exercise
Soccer star Kristine Lilly and tennis legend Billie Jean King will be at the University of Massachusetts on Tuesday to launch an initiative titled GoGirlGo!. The purpose of the initiative is to raise awareness about the important role fitness should play in the lives of young girls. "GoGirlGo! is the brainchild of the Women's Sports Foundation, which already has launched successful initiatives in Atlanta, Chicago, and San Antonio...The Women's Sports Foundation, which has done extensive research on the connection between successful young women and fitness, determined the health of today's girls is 'threatened by inactivity'. According to the Foundation, regular participation in physical activity during adolescence promotes self-confidence and a positive body image." The GoGirlGo! Boston initiative will conduct workshops, report on the state of girls' physical activity and health, and provide grants for organizations that offer physical activities for girls. Girls who struggle in a co-ed school environment often prosper in an all-girls setting. Visit BoardingSchoolsforGirls to find girls schools. Labels: athletes, exercise, sports
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is launching its third consecutive Walk On! program, an initiative designed to promote healthier living among school children. In its first two years, the programs saw thousands of students take billions of steps, literally, toward more active lifestyles. "BCBAZ has enhanced the Walk On! Challenge for 2008 to inspire even more Arizona fifth-graders around the state to walk. Enhancements include Walk4Life pedometers, subject-specific lesson ideas selected from submissions by teachers statewide and more incentives for participants." Last year, 10,000 students participated in Walk On!, and walked more than 3 billion steps. Labels: exercise, fitness, healthy_living
Parents who find themselves at a loss for ways of helping their overweight children become healthier can rest easy. The results of a new study show that just two simple changes can help; increased physical activity by 2,000 steps per day (equals approximately one mile), and elimination of just 100 calories from the daily diet. "This family-based study showed that, over six months, 67 percent of overweight children... maintained or reduced their percent BMI-for-age..." Conducted by the University of Colorado at Denver, the study shows that managing a child's weight and overall health is easier than most parents think. Labels: exercise, healthy_eating, parenting
Most teens exercise too little and eat too many unhealthy foods - according to a study of Australian teens. Despite all of the warnings about obesity and its health risks, little is changing about the eating and exercise habits of today's adolescents. "The survey, published in the September issue of Health Promotion International, found most students did less than one hour of physical activity a day. 'We found that only 14 percent of students engaged in recommended levels of physical activity,' [Dr. White] said." The Australian department that oversees health issues recommends at least an hour of moderate physical exercise every day, and no more than two hours sitting in front of computer and television screens. Read more at News.com.au. Labels: activity, exercise, unhealthy_food_choices
Many adults know firsthand the benefits of pilates. It improves flexibility, conditioning, and self-esteem. It can also help people learn how to focus. The same benefits that are experienced by adults can also be experienced by kids. "Seven's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says what's great about this form of exercise is that if your child doesn't excel at sports, pilates is a great way to help build his or her self-esteem... In fact, pilates has been shown to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination. Plus, it's a great stress-reliever." With childhood obesity rates on the rise, a low-impact form of exercise like pilates can get kids up and moving and enjoying the benefits that come from developing a strong body and mind. Read more at WSVN.com. Labels: exercise, self_esteem, stress
In Wales, 3% more children are physically active now than were two years ago. The figures were part of the Sports Council for Wales Children's Participation Survey, which also found that parents have a powerful influence over their children’s activity levels. "Around 54% of the children who reported that both of their parents played sport met the 5x60 target [60 minutes of physical activity, 5 days a week] compared with just 39% of children who recorded that neither of their parents played sport." The increased popularity of things like video games, the Internet and television, which are mainly sedentary activities, coupled with parents who say they're too busy for anything but fast food means fewer and fewer kids are getting the exercise they need. Getting kids involved in sports at an early age not only helps combat obesity, but builds their self-esteem and helps them handle stress. Read more at ICWales.ICNetwork.co.uk. Labels: exercise, influences, parents
Gilbert, Arizona has received a $39,000 grant from the Safe Routes to School Program. The program is designed to decrease traffic and increase the use of walk and bike paths to and from schools. "Plans for the program call for printing maps of walking and biking routes and working with neighborhoods to encourage more students to walk or bike to school." Some, however, worry about safety, and some elementary schools won't let their youngest students bike or walk to school. In all, a dozen Arizona cities and governments received grant funding for similar projects, aimed at reducing childhood obesity by encouraging children to walk to school. Read more at AZCentral.com.Labels: exercise, safety, walking
The MEND program is designed to teach kids and their parents how to battle the eating and exercise habits that cause childhood obesity. MEND stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it! "During the first hour [of the program] they look at healthy eating and during the second hour the children take part in physical activities while their parents continue with classroom based tasks." This past weekend, eight children graduated from the program in Tower Hamlets. Read more at 24dash.com. Labels: education, exercise, healthy_eating
Overtime Fitness Inc., in Mountain View, California, is one of the only gyms in the country that caters to teenagers. Founded by Patrick Ferrell, Overtime offers traditional fitness equipment as well as activities that appeal specifically to teens. "Overtime, which opened in September and still hasn't turned a profit, is entering the market as established chains are trying to get kids to become lifetime members. San Ramon-based 24 Hour Fitness just started 'Hoopology,' a summer basketball pilot program in the San Francisco Bay Area for boys and girls ages 8-17." Currently, the company is considering asking local businesses to fund membership for lower-income teens. Read more at KSDK.com. Labels: exercise, fitness, gyms
The Nation Association of Chronic Disease Directors has established an Obesity Workgroup intended to focus strictly on obesity prevention in America. "Today's environment does not always promote healthy food and physical activity choices... Our nation's children are facing a burden of chronic diseases, which will impact the quality of their lives, and ultimately, may cripple the U.S. health care system." The Workgroup will create an open forum where health departments from various states can dialogue and brainstorm prevention and health promotion ideas. Read more online. Still looking for a summer camp for your overweight child? Check out Wellspring Camps to find a camp near you. Labels: exercise, healthy_living, prevention
Shaq has a new television show. Titled "Shaq's Big Challenge", the first episode aired last Tuesday, with the goal of motivating kids to lead healthier lives. Six Florida middle school students participate in the Big Challenge and the show tracks their progress. "To combat complacency among his six young participants, O'Neal enlisted a 'dream team' of experts, including his own physician and trainer, Dr. Carlon 'Doc' Colker, personal trainer Tarik Tyler, nutritionaist Dr. Joy Bauer, and childhood obesity expert Dr. William Muinos." O'Neal and his team hope to be a catalyst for young people, their communities, and the shows viewers. Read more at OCRegister.com. Wellspring Family Camp is the world's first weight loss camp for young children and their parents. Children ages 5-13 attend Family Camp accompanied by one or more parents or grandparents for a two-week session or an intensive one-week session. There are still openings at camps starting later this summer. Visit www.wellspringfamily.com to learn more. Labels: exercise, healthy_eating, lifestyle
Since 2004, Schools on the Move... Step Club has been encouraging kids and parents to walk 20 to 30 minutes twice a week before class. Now, a $40,000 grant from St. John's Foundation for Community Health will ensure the program continues. "Participants receive incentives as they achieve different levels in the program. About 2,000 elementary students and their parents participated in the 2006-07 school year, said Sandra Pratt, community recreation services administrator." Six of the 24 Springfield, Missouri elementary schools participated during this last school year. Each school had at least 100 kids and parents walking together on a regular basis. Read more at News-Leader.com. Labels: exercise, incentives, schools
With the onset of warmer weather and time off from school, now is the perfect time for parents to help their kids make some healthy lifestyle changes. The changes they make now can go a long way towards combating childhood obesity which can lead to significant health problems later in life. "Make activities fun. Exercise shouldn't be a chore, especially for children. With warm weather outside, kids can do a variety of activities that involve both fun and fitness. [Dr. Amy Bohn] recommends jumping rope, swimming, skateboarding, and bike riding as alternatives to inside play." Dr. Bohn also recommends keeping healthy snacks in the house, and having the whole family take walks or bike rides together. Read more at NewsWise.com. Labels: exercise, lifestyle, summers
School playgrounds and recreational facilities could play a major role in helping to combat childhood obesity - but only if they remain open and accessible, says a recent RAND corporation study. In many low-income areas where there is limited or no access to neighborhood parks, children are often heavier and more sedentary. Access to playgrounds, basketball courts and paved playing surfaces - such as those found in schools - could help to increase opportunities for physical activity. But many schools are closing their doors and their playground areas on weekends, researchers found. Of those areas observed in the study, Washington/Baltimore, Tucson, and New Orleans schools were least likely to have unlocked schools with accessible facilities. Labels: exercise, playgrounds, schools
A group of researchers from Harvard took a unique approach when studying the causes of childhood obesity. Rather than placing the blame on a lack of activity in children's lives because of the internet, television and video games, they looked at overall caloric intake. "Based on the rate of weight gain that occurred in children between 1998 and 1994, they suggest that reducing calories (or increasing physical activity) by just 110 to 165 calories a day could have prevented weight gain." Believe it or not, reducing caloric intake is easier than it sounds. Just one 1.8-ounce bag of Skittles or 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of extra-crunch peanut butter contains between 140 and 200 calories. Cutting out just one of these per day would have the desired effect. Read more at StarTribune.com. Looking for an outdoor education program for your child this summer? Find one at Wilderness Programs Info >>Labels: exercise, healthy_eating, lifestyle
Because May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, it's a great time to get your kids involved in some kind of sport or physical activity. "Although some parents try to avoid youth sports until their kids are older, like 9 or 10 years old, because they want to avoid what they think is a competitive environment for their younger children, it is important to remember that most youth sports for younger kids are noncompetitive." Even so, some kids don't like team sports. But parents should encourage their kids to try individual sports like swimming or tennis. Read more at Pediatrics.About.com. Labels: exercise, fitness, sports
School playgrounds and athletic fields could help reduce childhood obesity by giving children near-by places to run and play. However, recent studies have shown that many of these places are closed and locked on weekends. "Girls who lived near locked schools tended to be heavier, and neighborhoods with locked schools were disproportionately poor and had larger minority populations', lead author Molly M. Scott, a RAND research analyst, said in a prepared statement." Where public playgrounds and parks are lacking or unavailable, school playgrounds can offer children accessible, safe recreation areas... if they're unlocked. Read more at BabyCenter.com. Labels: exercise, neighborhoods, playgrounds
Do you feel discouraged that you can't seem to get your kids to sustain vigorous exercise for longer than a few minutes? A new study suggests that even 15 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce the risk of obesity, by as much as 70% in boys and 39% in girls. Researchers from the University of Bristol in England found that boys and girls who increased their exercise even a little bit had a corresponding decrease in fat mass, which over time, may help to prevent obesity. While the researchers were surprised that such a small change could provide dramatic results, they caution that further studies are needed to draw a conclusion regarding exercise and obesity prevention. They also remind parents that diet plays a very important part in obesity prevention, too. Labels: exercise, fat camp, prevention
The Los Angeles Times report that as little as 15 minutes of exercise every day could be enough to keep kids from gaining weight. According to British and U.S. researchers, a study of 5,500 children wore "a motion sensor device showed that those who exercised more were less likely to be obese - and that short bursts of intense activity seemed to be the most helpful." Read more about this study online. Labels: exercise, research
A new study concludes that children are less active in summer and therefore gain weight during those months. Researchers from Ohio State University and Indiana University studied the growth and weight records of 5380 kindergartners and first graders. They found that increases in children's body mass indices (BMIs) doubled during the summer months but fell to normal during the school year. Dr. Betsy Keller, a professor of sport sciences at Ithaca College in New York, commented on the study: "The big question in my mind is what are the parents doing with these kids during the summer? Unless they're paying attention to their child's level of activity and diet, with each passing summer they are just adding to the risk of them becoming overweight. These are five year-olds, after all. They're not going to the grocery store." The study appears in the April issue of the American Journal of Public Health. Labels: exercise, rejection, summer_camp
Adolescents who are very healthy get daily exercise, watch less than two hours of television per day, eat 5-6 servings or more of fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat very little fat. How does your child measure up to these standards? If your child is lacking in one or more of these areas, he's not alone. In a study published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, nearly 80 percent of 11-15 year old children watch too much TV, exercise too little, eat too much fat and eat too few fruits and vegetables. The best way to turn this around? Be a good role model. The researchers found evidence that parents' health behaviors were associated with children's health behaviors. Labels: exercise, healthy eating, TV
Just saying no to television does not mean that your child will use that lost time to exercise, according to a new study from Harvard Medical School. Researchers led by Elsie Taveras had over10,000 children ages 10 to 15 years fill out annual questionnaires about their television viewing during the four year study. Girls averaged about ten hours a week of TV; boys averaged about fourteen. However, if a child started to watch less television, he or she did not necessarily spend more time in physical activity. "Television viewing and physical activities are separate constructs and not functional opposites," Taveras concluded. "Simply restricting viewing may not be effective in increasing physical activity." This study appears in the February 2007 issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Labels: exercise, research
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