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Feature Articles for March 2003
New Book Tackles Childhood Obesity While America has become aware that obesity is a national health problem, recent studies show that it is growing at an even faster rate among children and teens. Today, 13 percent of children age six to 11 and 14 percent of adolescents age 12 to 19 are overweight. Over-weight adolescents have a 70 to 80 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. Frances Berg, in her forthcoming book Underage and Overweight, (Hatherleigh Press 2003, $24.95), advises parents, teachers and other caregivers concerned about children’s weight problems to forget about restrictive diets or rigid routines. Instead, they should help their children develop healthy, confident, diet-free lifestyles, in which sound habits for eating and activity come naturally. Berg recommends following these seven steps: Find Out Whether Your Child Is Overweight Your doctor or other health care professionals can determine whether your child's or adolescent's weight is healthy. Offer Love And Appreciation An overweight child probably knows better than anyone else that he or she has a weight problem. Overweight children need support, acceptance and encouragement from their parents. Be A Role Model Eat well and live an active life yourself. Your children learn from what you do--not just what you say. Increase Physical Activity Aim to take part in 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise and enjoyment; take family walks or bike rides, walk to school, play games and sports outdoors. Make A Safe Place For Your Children To Play Actively Invite their friends. Encourage swimming, biking, skating, ball sports and other fun activities. Make Healthy Food Decisions Guide your family’s choices rather than dictate foods. Don’t place your child on a restrictive diet; encourage him or her to eat when hungry and to eat slowly. Eat A Healthy Breakfast That’s a good way to start the day and may be important in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Children and parents together can learn to focus less on specifics of weight or appearance, leading to less stress and better self-esteem. About the Author Frances Berg, M.S., L.N. is the editor, founder, and former publisher of Healthy Weight Journal. She is a licensed nutritionist, family wellness specialist, and adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. Underage and Overweight is her third book. UNDERAGE AND OVERWEIGHT: America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic: What Every Parent Needs to Know By Frances M. Berg ISBN 1-57826-120-1 $24.95 cloth Published by Hatherleigh Press, an Affiliate of W.W. Norton and Company In bookstores nationwide April 7, 2003 |
