Fat Kids

Well, it's not a very nice title. We're told not to call people fat. Especially kids. But fat is fat, and these days 33% of children are obese...that's not good. So, call a spade a spade and know when to make changes for your children.

In a recent study published in the journal Obesity it was shown when nutrition and exercise education was given only to parents, their children shed about the same amount of weight as kids who took part in the weight-loss classes with their parents.

It has long been established that weight-loss education for families is effective at helping children lose weight and keep it off. A 1994 study published in Health Psychology found that about one-third of overweight and obese kids who attended educational classes in childhood had decreased the amount that they were overweight by 20%. 10 years later, and 30% were no longer obese.

These findings have contributed to my personal interest in health education. The reason I write this blog, and the reason I began my own company, Wellness Initiatives. Currently, I am designing a wellness program for kids aged 12-14 that will teach them, one-on-one, the skills they need to lead a happy, healthy life. But this new research may mean that I need to make sure I include the parents a little more than I had already planned to!

 So...does this research mean it's YOUR fault your kid is fat? Well, frankly, yes. More than likely it is.

So what can you do? You can participate in a health class or educate yourself online or through books. You can enroll your child in a program like Running Start or a wellness summer camp. Either way, it's important that you give your child the skills to make healthy decisions in their own life in the future. And for now, make sure you provide fruits and vegetables at home and encourage exercise and other good eating habits.

If we establish healthy living early on, the chances of us staying healthy throughout our lives is increased phenomenally. So, give your kids the tools they need to live a happy, healthy life!!!