Blog #5: Why is it so hard for kids to lose weight?

Approximately one-third of children are obese or overweight. Why? Lyn McDonald, a mother of five, examined why it can be so difficult for kids to lose weight and so easy to gain weight. A child’s overall surrounding is a factor to their weight problems. Dr. Stephen Daniels, chief of pediatrician, said “Every day kids are exposed to advertising about fast food instead of home-cooked meals. They’re surrounded by vending and soda machines at school. They have hundreds of channels on TV, own three video game systems and live in neighborhoods that were built without sidewalks.” The environment is leading to the kids bad decisions. Another reason kids are gaining weight is high stress levels. Studies have been completed that show stress hormones hurt the part of the brain that is responsible for our ability to plan and avoid temptations. A team of researchers also found that stress damages a child’s ability for self- control. It is more common for someone who is highly stressed to pick an unhealthy food choice, like chocolate, rather than a healthy snack. 

“Lower income children have less healthy food stores nearby, more junk food available because it is cheap, fewer places to play outdoors, and a harder time curbing impulses.” Children who are living in poverty are at a much greater risk for being obese or overweight. I think in order to fix this issue food prices need to be re-evaluated. If healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, were not so expensive then low income families would be able to afford to feed their kids with nutritional foods rather than junk food. The major social problem, poverty, has a great effect on the unhealthy weights of children. Children who are obese are much more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, liver disease, and bone and joint problems. I think one of the best things a parent could teach their child is how to say no to a unhealthy food craving they feel like they “need” to have. Making good food decisions is really important for your health and well- being. 

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/16/health/difficulties-kids-face-losing-weight/index.html?hpt=he_t2