Basic HTML Version
Novembe.c
1971
The
PLAIN TRUTH
Help for
Overweight Children
A DUL
T
OBESITY
has been called
fl
one of America's major health
problems. But for increasing num–
bers of overweight children, there is
a similar cause for concern.
Contrary to the popular image of
the "jolly" fat child, most over–
weight children are not happy. All
too often their fat is the butt of
dassmates' jokes. Because they're
more dwnsy and lack agility, they
1ind themselves left out of many
activities. Frequently, such childreo
are social outcasts.
Pareots need to understand that
they quite often share the responsi–
bility for their children being
overweight.
A recent study by Dr. Jules Hirsch
and severa! colleagues at Rockefeller
University showed that overfeeding
of infants and young children may
build up an excess number of fat
cells. All children are born with
approximately the same percentage
of fat cells in their bodies. Yet, obese
adults have a much higher per–
centage of fat cells than normal–
weight individuals. These researchers
concluded that tbe extra fat cells may
have been accumulated early in life
through overfeeding. The result
would be that such children are pre–
disposed ( though not condemned)
to a lifetime of obesity.
Childhood obesity is a very serious
matter. The problem should be
solved as early as possible. For, the
older the child, the more difficult it
will be to help him reduce. And if
you
have an overweight child, the
fust step to correcting the situation is
to discover exactly
why
he is that
way; then you can begin to do some–
tbing about it. The following points
will be of help in nearly every case.
l.
Emotional Stability
One obvious reason for obesity in
children is overeating. But what is
often overlooked is that an obese
child's unbridled appetite may result
from a lack of emotional balance.
Parents should take an active part
in helping their child to develop a
wholesome and balanced personality.
The child should be taught how to
be responsible and productive and to
cultivate a variety of interests and
pursuits. He should be able to expe–
rience a sense of accomplishment,
and also learn how to cope with dis–
appointments. He should be taught
to have a healthy outlook on life.
Success, of course, depends on a
secure, stable and balanced borne en–
vironment. When there is sorne emo–
tional stress in the home, youngsters
may turn to food for consolation
oc
security. For example, if a child is
deprived of one of the greatest needs
of all - the feeling of being loved
and appreciated - he will suffer
emotionally. His urge to satisfy his
hunger for !ove may manifest itself
in habitual overeating.
lt Avoid "Overfeeding"
If
parents overindulge or over–
protect their children, a serious
pattern of overeating may also result.
Many mothers unduly fret about
their children having too little to eat.
"l want my child well-padded so
that if he gets sick, he won't
be
weakened by a loss of weight" sorne
parents say.
In pushing unwanted food on
their children, however, such parents
teach youngsters to stuff themselves
in an involuntary effort to please
their parents. This ingrains poor eat–
ing habits that may persist tbrough–
out life - and may cause early
death. The need for a child to eat
what is placed before him should be
balanced by placing the
right amount
of food on his plate.
111. Exercise
Overeating may explain many
cases of child obesity - but certainly
not all. Another factor now gaining
more widespread attention is Jack of
exercise. In fact, inactivity may be a
major cause for overweight children.
Dr. Jean Mayee, one of the fore–
most researchers in the field of obe–
sity, has said, "Repeated studies have
shown that the great majority of
obese adolescents eat less than the
average nonobese adolescents of the
same sex. The inactivity of the obese
adolescent easily accounts for the
calories which permit excessive fat
deposition" (
Overweight
-
Cattses,
Cost, and Control).
IV. Parental Example
Take a careful look at your own
example. Are
you
overweight? Stud–
ies show that if both parents are
obese, there is an 80 percent chance
their children will become that way
as adults.
If
both parents are slim,
90%
of their children will be
slim.
Therefore, it is important to ask
yourself: "Do 1 consistently over–
eat ?" and "How much exercise do 1
get ?" Children usually mimic their
parents in many ways. Diet and
activity are not exceptions.
If
you
are
setting a poor example in these areas,
children will automatically pick up
wrong eating and exercise habits.
However, by setting the right pace
for your overweight child, you are
supplying the confidence that he des–
perately must have to change. Many
youngsters often lack the self–
discipline or motivation to effectively
reduce. But your new example can
provide the encouragement and hope
that he really needs.
V. Choosing Right Meals
For instance, teach your child to
eat well-balanced, nutritious, and rel–
atively low-calorie meals. A typical
weight-loss diet should contain
roughly
1500
to
2000
calories. But
don't get too picky about diet restric–
tions. Stress the positive - tell your
child what he may eat; not just what
he should avoid.
If
snacking has been a problem,
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