Growing Epidemic Of Childhood Obesity

Obese adults were generally obese chidren.  I know I was, I started gaining weight around 13-years of age.  Today there are other kids that are gaining weight at a much younger age.  I’ve seen kids at the mall that look like young adults – but in fact they are 5 or 6 years old and are carrying around a lot of excess weight.  When you see the parents, it is very clear why the child or children are overweight – because the parents are.

It is always sad to see an overweight child.  Regardless of whether we want to admit it or not, being overweight is a stigma.  The last thing any parent should want is for their child to be made fun of – on the playground, or in school. 

In general terms, if parents are overweight – their children will be overweight.  There are of course exceptions to the rule.

Sho how big of an epedemic is obesity in children?

According to Wikipedia, in Canada the rate of obesity in children jumped to over 30% in boys in 1990.  Brazil recorded an increase from 4% to 14% in 1990 and the United States saw the rate triple between 1980 and 2000 though it has not changed significantly between 2000 and 2006.  However the number for the US is still high at 32% since 2008.

As in adults, there are many reasons for obesity in children:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of physical exercise
• Abundance of high calorie and fat foods in the home (junk food, sodas, chips, cookies)
• Home environment – high fat/calorie meals
• Development factors
• Medical conditions

Several studies have been performed as well (links go to Wikipedia):

• A study of 1800 children aged 2 to 12 in Colac, Australia tested a program of restricted diet (no carbonated drinks or sweets) and increased exercise. Interim results included a 68% increase in after school activity programs, 21% reduction in television viewing, and an average of 1 kg weight reduction compared to a control group.^[51]
• A survey carried out by the American Obesity Association into parental attitudes towards their children’s weight showed the majority of parents think that recess should not be reduced or replaced. Almost 30% said that they were concerned with their child’s weight. 35% of parents thought that their child’s school was not teaching them enough about childhood obesity, and over 5% thought that childhood obesity was the greatest risk to their child’s long term health.^[52]
• A Northwestern University study indicates that inadequate sleep has a negative impact on a child’s performance in school, their emotional and social welfare, and increases their risk of being overweight. This study was the first nationally represented, longitudinal investigation of the correlation between sleep, Body Mass Index (BMI) and overweight status in children between the ages of 3 and 18. The study found that an extra hour of sleep lowered the children’s risk of being overweight from 36% to 30%, while it lessened older children’s risk from 34% to 30%.^[53]

All that said, what can YOU do if you have a child that is overweight?  First see your doctor!  Never start your child on a weight loss program or exercise regime without consulting your doctor.  Many doctors will do some basic testing to ensure that the exercise or diet won’t do more harm than good.

If your doctor has given you the OK – start your child off slowly.  Start with a short walk, playing at the playground.  As they lose weight, and build stamina to do more – try longer walks, bicycle rides and get them involved in sports – start with things like swimming which is low impact.

Once again – see your doctor!  Never start your child on a weight loss program or exercise regime without consulting your doctor.  Many doctors will do some basic testing to ensure that the exercise or diet won’t do more harm than good.

Speaking from personal experience, we keep our 6-year old busy.  We allow TV and WII – but in moderation.  Once he’s outside, and playing – he doesn’t want to go in!

Additional Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

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Cost Of Obesity On Health Care (Updated 06/02/09)

Question for you – do you know how much overweight or obese people cost health care per year? While doing some research on this topic I found the website called Leading Health Indicators which provides some useful information.

Leading Health Indicators

Leading Health Indicators n � Physical activity n � Overweight and obesity n � Tobacco use n � Substance abuse n � Responsible sexual behavior n � Mental health n � Injury and violence n � Environmental quality n � Immunization n � Access to health care

The Leading Health Indicators reflect the major public health concerns in the United States and were chosen based on their ability to motivate action, the availability of data to measure their progress, and their relevance as broad public health issues.

The Leading Health Indicators illuminate individual behaviors, physical and social environmental factors, and important health system issues that greatly affect the health of individuals and communities. Underlying each of these indicators is the significant influence of income and education (see Income and Education, page 12).

The process of selecting the Leading Health Indicators mirrored the collaborative and extensive efforts undertaken to develop Healthy People 2010. The process was led by an interagency work group within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Individuals and organizations provided comments at national and regional meetings or via mail and the Internet. A report by the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, provided several scientific models on which to support a set of indicators. Focus groups were used to ensure that the indicators are meaningful and motivating to the public.

For each of the Leading Health Indicators, specific objectives derived from Healthy People 2010 will be used to track progress. This small set of measures will provide a snapshot of the health of the Nation. Tracking and communicating progress on the Leading Health Indicators through national- and State-level report cards will spotlight achievements and challenges in the next decade. The Leading Health Indicators serve as a link to the 467 objectives in Healthy People 2010 and can become the basic building blocks for community health initiatives.

Overweight and Obesity

Leading Health Indicator

Overweight and obesity are major contributors to many preventable causes of death. On average, higher body weights are associated with higher death rates. The number of overweight children, adolescents, and adults has risen over the past four decades. Total costs (medical cost and lost productivity) attributable to obesity alone amounted to an estimated $99 billion in 1995.

During 1988�94, 11 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years were overweight or obese. During the same years, 23 percent of adults aged 20 years and older were considered obese.

The objectives selected to measure progress among children, adolescents, and adults for this Leading Health Indicator are presented below. These are only indicators and do not represent all the nutrition and overweight objectives included in Healthy People 2010.

Health Impact of Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and obesity substantially raise the risk of illness from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances and problems breathing, and certain types of cancers. Obese individuals also may suffer from social stigmatization, discrimination, and lowered self-esteem.

Populations With High Rates of Overweight and Obesity

More than half of adults in the United States are estimated to be overweight or obese. The proportion of adolescents from poor households who are overweight or obese is twice that of adolescents from middle- and high-income households. Obesity is especially prevalent among women with lower incomes and is more common among African American and Mexican American women than among white women. Among African Americans, the proportion of women who are obese is 80 percent higher than the proportion of men who are obese. This gender difference also is seen among Mexican American women and men, but the percentage of white, non-Hispanic women and men who are obese is about the same.

Reducing Overweight and Obesity

Obesity is a result of a complex variety of social, behavioral, cultural, environmental, physiological, and genetic factors. Efforts to maintain a healthy weight should start early in childhood and continue throughout adulthood, as this is likely to be more successful than efforts to lose substantial amounts of weight and maintain weight loss once obesity is established.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity are both important for maintaining a healthy weight. Over time, even a small decrease in calories eaten and a small increase in physical activity can help prevent weight gain or facilitate weight loss. It is recommended that obese individuals who are trying to lose substantial amounts of weight seek the guidance of a health care provider.

Dietary and Physical Activity Recommendations

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that to build a healthy base, persons aged 2 years and older choose a healthful assortment of foods that includes vegetables; fruits; grains (especially whole grains); fat-free or low-fat milk products; and fish, lean meat, poultry, or beans. The guidelines further emphasize the importance of choosing foods that are low in saturated fat and added sugars most of the time and, whatever the food, eating a sensible portion size. It is recognized, however, that this guidance may be particularly challenging when eating out because the consumer may be offered large portion sizes with unknown amounts of saturated fat and added sugars.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that all adults be more active throughout the day and get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most, or preferably all, days of the week. Adults who are trying to maintain healthy weight after weight loss are advised to get even more physical activity. The guidelines also recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily and limit inactive forms of play such as television watching and computer games.

For more information on Healthy People 2010 objectives or on overweight and obesity, visit http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/� or call 1-800-367-4725.

You can get more details by visiting the site at http://www.healthypeople.gov/document/html/uih/uih_4.htm

More resources and suggested search criteria:

Mohamed

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How Your Undies Track The Recession

OK I got quite the chuckle on a story that appeared on Sympatico/MSN Finance section titled “How your undies track the recession” – here are a few excerpts but you should read the full story (by Michael Brush) – link below…

“To help predict a recovery, economists such as Alan Greenspan look to men’s underwear sales. Here’s what those and other unusual economic indicators say about the road ahead.”

…

“If you’re like most men, you’ve got more than a few skivvies in, well, less than perfect condition.

If you’re put off buying replacements — and your significant other hasn’t done it for you — then guess what? The recession probably ain’t over yet.

In fact, right now men’s underwear sales suggest that things have bottomed but not started to recover.”

…

“Greenspan reasons that because hardly anyone actually sees a guy’s undies, they’re the first thing men stop buying when the economy tightens. (He told this to National Public Radio’s Robert Krulwich years ago.)”

…

“Folks such as Greenspan don’t seem to look as closely at women’s lingerie — reasoning, perhaps, that women are more sensitive about wearing worn undergarments.

But Cohen says a pickup in sales of bras, as well as denim and footwear, will indicate the economy is on the mend.”

…

Read the entire article – http://finance.sympatico.msn.ca/investing/michaelbrush/article.aspx?cp-documentid=20040810

Guys this goes to the series of articles I am posting on Personal Hygiene for Men (introductory post) and the first in a series Personal Hygiene for Men – Showering. 

Enjoy!

Mohamed

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Is Playing Sports Better Than Exercise?

So what is wrong with this question – “Is Playing Sports Better Than Exercise?” – if you are paying attention you would probably figure out that they are one in the same!  When you play sports, you are getting exercise.  But it really is a trick question, because the word exercise is taken out of context – think of the question as “should I play sports to get exercise, or should I go to the gym for exercise” – really two different things.

So which is better?  Sports or the gym?

I have gone to the gym, and failed miserably.  I am not as regimented in that respect.  Though going to the gym you have the advantage of a personal trainer or at least someone to speak to to ensure that your workouts are accomplishing your fitness goals I’ve always found the gym boring and sometimes embaressing.  Where I used to live, I went to a gym on a fairly regularly – but it was full of muscular and thin men and women.  I felt out of place being a big guy.  In fact, I never saw big people at the gym.

Eventually I stopped going.

Over the last year, I’ve started playing more sports and going outdoors instead.  Partly to aid with weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and also because my son who is now 6-years old has so much energy that we have to get him outside to burn it off.

I enjoy going outside more because I don’t have anyone watching me.  I can exercise at my own pace, and I have fun doing it.

I find that you get more of a rush when you’re outdoors enjoying the good weather and tossing in some exercise — it does not feel like exercise.  Going to the gym felt like work and it was boring, unless I could find someone to come with me — which was always easier said than done.

The verdict?  It is really up to you.  Either way you are getting a chance to work out your body, one is more regimented and does require a certain amount of will power but the other allows you to exercise on your own terms.

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

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How To Look Sexy If You Are Big

This is for the ladies that follow the blog – this article is from WikiHow.

Packing extra padding? Don’t be ashamed – big is beautiful, if you know how to pull it off. Even the thinnest women need a bit of work before they feel ready to face the world in the mornings – just because you’re “thick” doesn’t mean you’re automatically disqualified from beauty.

1. Exercise. All women agree on this one: a little bit of a workout works wonders not only on your figure, but your overall health. Don’t focus only on losing weight. Instead, after consulting your doctor, start a workout focusing on cardiovascular health and toning your muscles. A woman weighing 190 with 36% body fat looks different than a woman of the same weight with 22% body fat.
2. Good hygiene. Being overweight is completely acceptable. Smelling atrocious or being grimy is not. Pamper yourself with this: get a manicure, get a flattering new hairstyle, but make your natural self, not your clothing,be what makes you.
3. Find flattering styles. Depending on your facial structure and the distribution of your weight, this all varies, for both clothing and hair. With a hairstyle, consult a trained stylist. In clothing, look for a proper fit: your clothing should generally be feminine and a looser fit. That is not to say “baggy”, however if you have a tiny waist, accentuate that with a cinched waist instead of wearing a shirt that is not only tight at the waist, but also tight across the stomach.
   *If it does not fit the way you would like, and you have sewing experience, alter it until you do not see fat bulges or flab. If not, tailors are incredible!
4. Shift the focus away from your weight and to your personality. Add individual style to your clothing and self. A beautiful pair of earrings, or a pretty pair of shoes – they all say something about you. Go for beautiful.
5. Refrain from showing too much skin. This is distasteful on anyone. Wear long or elbow-sleeved shirts or wear light jackets, and knee-length skirts. Most everyone has nice fore-arms and calves, and paired with a flattering cut shirt, this is a lovely way to show off your beauty.
6. Smile. If you think you are beautiful, so will everyone else. Show off those pearly whites!   If they’re not pearly, get some whitening toothpaste, yellow teeth are a major no-no.

• Be modest and kind. Being pretty does not involve being cruel. This is a rule for everyone.
• Do not go overboard on cleavage. Draw a line between both nipples. If a shirt’s cleavage hits or goes lower than that line, either alter, do not wear, or wear another shirt under the first.
• Maintain good posture. Anyone who slumps will have stomach rolls. Sit straight, cross your legs at the ankles, and relax the shoulders.
• Make sure to also have confidence. Confidence will make yourself feel sexy.

You can read the original article: http://www.wikihow.com/Look-Sexy-if-You-Are-Big

Mohamed

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