Feeding Frenzy
Why are our kids fat?
by Lilian Cheung, D.Sc., R.D. and Mavis Jukes

PARENTGUIDE News March 2004

We’re told that 15 percent of Americans aged 6 to 19 are overweight and the numbers are rising. We’re aware that high-calorie foods and drinks are heavily marketed and consumed by kids. And yes, we acknowledge that kids are exercising less and spending more time being inactive— sitting in front of TVs, video games and computers.

But there are so many things parents can do to help counter this trend. We can model healthy eating and exercise attitudes and routines. We can support our children by helping them set and accomplish reasonable goals for physical activity. We can help them limit screen time. We can set reasonable boundaries by removing TVs from their bedrooms. We can encourage healthy food choices by keeping our kitchens stocked with nutritious foods and drinks and by preparing and eating family meals together.

As you read the information below, please keep in mind that a pediatrician should be involved in determining whether a child should gain, lose or maintain weight. In order to achieve their genetic potential for height and bone density, kids in the growth spurt have specific requirements for nutrition and energy (calorie) intake. It is important to make physical activity part of the family routine. Physical activity is essential for building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, building strong bones, keeping an upbeat attitude— and maintaining a healthy weight. Play ball in the yard or neighborhood park. Walk together. Plan interesting family events that include exercise.
What safe, supervised, social, enjoyable physical activities are available for kids in your school district and community? We do understand that not every kid likes sports; it’s possible to scout out noncompetitive activities that stress participation, rather than winning. Let kids choose. The key is enjoyment.

Depending upon a child’s age, a healthy physical activity plan should include spending about an hour a day (accumulated) participating in moderate physical activity three days a week; about 15 minutes of the hour should be sustained moderate physical activity, with brief periods for rest and recovery.
Parents can also support children by giving them ideas on how they can advocate effectively at school for more fun physical activities during PE and afterschool— and for more nutritious foods at lunch and in vending machines. Speak up at PTA and school site council meetings to promote such changes.
The more one sits around staring at a video or computer screen, the less calories one burns. Some kids mindlessly snack while watching. All the while, they’re being marketed to. For a week or so, ask your kids to keep track of how much time they spend in front of a screen each day. Ask that they set limits for themselves: No more than two hours a day. Children watch more TV if there is one in the bedroom. If you have TVs in bedrooms, relocate them. There may be an initial fuss, but you’re the parent and can set healthy boundaries.

Fast food marketing campaigns are targeting kids, encouraging them to eat big portions (super sized) of foods and drinks that are high in sugar, saturated fat and trans fat. Sodas alone can be responsible for many pounds of unwanted weight gain every year. With the advertising of the fashion, fitness and weight-loss industries, there is tremendous societal pressure to be thin. Kids aren’t supposed to “diet’ and they should know this. They need nutritious foods and adequate energy to ensure healthy physical and intellectual growth— and emotional well-being.