Childhood Obesity

This post is from a great resource for health advice, the Institute For Integrative Nutrition (http://www.integrativenutrition.com).

 One of the major health problems facing future generations is the epidemic of obesity, especially in children.  Unfortunately, today’s experts on obesity are turning toward an unsustainable and potentially dangerous solution to this problem.  According to a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, quoting the June issue of the medical journal Obesity, doctors are recommending a “minimally invasive weight loss surgery” to decrease the number of overweight children in our country today.

This is disappointing news; not only because the number of overweight children in the United States has tripled in the last 30 years.

Since childhood obesity has hit alarming rates, physicians are scrambling for a quick fix, when the solution is simple: create a diet for your child that is full of whole foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.  Make sure they get physical activity at least a few times per week. Diversify your meal choices; instead of white rice or other refined grains choose quinoa, bulgur, or buckwheat.  Processed foods that contain additives, like high fructose corn syrup, will only perpetuate the obesity problem in our country.

Remember that quick fix solutions do not generally result in long-term success. If you fix the problem at its source, you are more likely to create a lasting change. In this case, the diets of children in the US must be changed or an entire generation will remain at risk of diabetes, heart disease, and countless other problems. 

What are your thoughts on weight loss surgery for young children?