Let's Shape Up

American teens are heavier and more overweight than other teens throughout the world. Not a recognition to be proud of. Much has been written regarding the problem, and it's a serious one.

One-third of children and teens in the USA — about 25 million total — are overweight or obese, which puts them at risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems. "Never before has there been a generation in which so many kids are so heavy so early in life," says Dr. David Ludwig.

In September 2006, the prestigious Institute of Medicine cautioned that about 20% of children in the USA will be obese by 2010 if dramatic steps aren't taken. Dr. Ludwig, the director of the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children’s Hospital Boston, has done more than 40 research studies, including reports that show:

• If childhood obesity continues unabated, it could shorten the average life span of today's children by two to five years.
• Overweight teens eat about 400 more calories on a day when they consume fast food compared with a day when they don't.
• Highly processed foods, which are low in fiber, can cause weight gain because after eating these foods, children's blood sugar often rises quickly, then crashes. This stimulates hunger and overeating.

Dr. Ludwig has worked with over 5000 overweight children and their families. He has just published a new book titled, Ending the Food Fight: Guide Your Child to a Healthy Weight in a Fast Food/Fake Food World. The book offers a offers a proven 9-week program that can turn your children’s health around. The program includes a six-step plan:

• Working together as a family, make a “clean sweep” of your home, removing all the "fake" food, replacing it with "real" food.
• Introduce your children to nutrient-rich, low-glycemic real foods.
• Start replacing refined sugary cereals and processed breads with whole grains.
• Go for family walks. Teach your kids that walking 30 minutes a day at a moderate pace would burn over about 50,000 calories in a year or about 15 pounds of body weight.
• Learn “The Power of Ten.” Encourage your children to get active for 10 minutes at a time. They can walk, jump rope or play outdoors in three 10-minute blocks over the course of a day or two 15-minute blocks.
• Let your child participate in menu planning and food preparation. You’ll find that if your kid cooks it, he or she eats it.

Our societal trend toward childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes can be swayed. But it will take re-education and a change of eating and exercise habits. American, let's shape up!