The evidence is in. Childhood obesity is seriously on the rise. In the past 25 to 30 years, the incidence of obesity in children through age 19 has more than doubled. In children aged 12 to 19, it has even tripled! The causes are easy to track: more time spent doing indoor activities; conveniences which require little or no physical activity to perform daily tasks; the advent and availability of junk food; and larger portion sizes.

Why worry about childhood obesity? Surveys have shown that 80% of children who are obese continue to be obese in their adult years! Obesity often precedes metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that increase your chance for heart disease and other health problems such as diabetes and stroke. Medical costs are spiraling higher than ever due to the prevalence of obesity-related illness. Prevention and self-control are factors which can help keep down medical costs.

Simply teaching and encouraging children to make better choices isn't enough! They are bombarded daily by the wrong examples within their environment. Researchers have found that leading by example and making healthier lifestyles a family affair helps children relearn their behavior patterns. Parents can help by serving well-balanced meals, keeping junk food out of the house, controlling portion sizes, using high-calorie treats only for special occasions, turning off the TV and other electronics, being physically active (perhaps taking a family walk after dinner), and stressing healthy choices instead of numbers on the scale.

If you would like to speak with one of the parish nurses about this issue, please contact Kristen Thompson or me at (314) 837-1090.

(Information in this article is adapted from the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic websites.)