Thursday, January 13, 2011
Obesity Causing First Ever Shorter Life-Spans
From Loyola University Health System
For the first time in history, the next generation of Americans will not live as long or longer than their parents due to complications from obesity.
That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and many expert physicians in the field of nutrition, weight loss, and exercise.
Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions and joint deterioration, are increasingly prevalent in children because of obesity.
“What is particularly tragic is that studies have suggested that obesity in children today may contribute to a 2-5 year decline in their life expectancy,” says Jessica Bartfield, MD, internal medicine and medical weight-loss specialist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of the Loyola University Health System.
One major cause for childhood obesity correlates to the parents’ health.
“If one parent is obese, a child has a 50 percent likelihood of being obese, and if both parents are obese, that skyrockets to 80 percent likelihood,” she said.
So what can parents do for their kids’ health? Bartfield has some suggestions for families to keep the weight off, prevent obesity, and ensure the next generation leads a long, healthy life.
Top Five Ways We Can Reverse The Obesity Trend
1 – Parents take charge.
2 – Involve the Kids in food choices and meal planning.
3 – Add more fresh fruits and vegetables.
4 – Cut liquid calories like soda.
5 – Prioritize breakfast and keep meals consistent.
To read more on these 5 tips and the rest of the article, see here.
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