Childhood obesity rates hit a plateau. Is this a good thing?

Childhood obesity rates hit a plateau. Is this a good thing?Childhood obesity may have just entered red wine and water status in the news media. You know how one week you hear that red wine does wonders for heart health, the next it is causing disease? Or how one study shows people do need 8 glasses of water a day, followed by another that says not so and finally a third that says people are dehydrated and need to drink (you've got it) 8 glasses of water a day. With the headlines from long-term studies released by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released last week, we are now on a roller-coaster of reporting on childhood obesity as well.

Mattie
I think if it hits a plateau thats decent. that means it isnt going up or down.

machomarioman
It is strange how the news media states things then takes it back some of the time (like the red wine you mentioned) Children are targeted to more fattening and unhealthy food, which is the main cause of obesity. A lot of fast food places target children in their commercials as it gives them an impression that it's ok to eat it. Also notice in the stores that the fattening food is at eye level of children while healthier food is higher on the shelves. People are coming up with ways to make money. And targeting children is the way people are doing it now. Very sad.

DKT
The media's main objective is selling papers or air time. How do they do this? By creating sensational headlines and stories!

Cynical? Yes... but it's true!

There might be dozens of good research studies published in reputable medical journals in any given week or month. But mainstream media will pick up a story that sells, and not necessarily report on some other relevant, but less compelling research.

How does one deal with all the conflicting reports?

The best advice I can offer is to be moderate in your approach to eating. Don't jump on a bandwagon based on one story or headline. But when the stories are regular and consistent, you can be pretty sure there is some substance behind it.

That would be the case with childhood obesity. Whether it has plateaued or not is irrelevant to the fact that we know it is a significant problem for the individuals affected and for society as a whole.

We can all do something about it by making better choices and being good role models for our children. By living a "heart healthy" lifestyle that includes a good diet and regular exercise, we model desirable behavior .

In other words, we can't say to our kids, "eat healthy", then get pizza or fast food burgers and fries for supper and expect them to pay attention!

On the other hand, if we eat whole unprocessed foods, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and moderate amounts of meat that sets a good example.

There are so many ads on TV, billboards, and store displays, along with strong peer pressure, to eat an unhealthy diet that includes chips, pop, energy drinks, candy bars, highly processed stuff like pizza pops, etc., etc., etc. that we must do our part at home to try to counteract all of these negative influences.

Some good suggestions can be found here: http://www.smart-heart-living.com/heart_healthy_diet.html

The site also has pages about exercise and lots of other heart healthy ideas.

I hope this helps... good luck!

Give&Take 2008
I dont see that many overweight kids. I think its overdone.

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