Family Health
America’s child obesity epidemic has been described by U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona as "the terror within." Researchers nationwide predict that today’s kids may be the first generation in America in which parents outlive their children.
Without effective intervention, the future costs of childhood obesity "would be incalculable," wrote leading child obesity researcher Dr. David Ludwig of Children’s Hospital in Boston in the New England Journal of Medicine (2007; 357: 2325).
Though the federal government currently lacks a comprehensive strategy for encouraging children to eat a healthful diet and engage in physical activity, action in the private sector is promising. Intensive heart-healthy, lifestyle-change programs, like the Pritikin Family Program held summers at the Pritikin Longevity Center, have documented superb results.
Since its inception in 2002, the Pritikin Family Program has empowered children worldwide with the skills they need to grow into lean, healthy adults. And they and their parents have learned, much to their delight, how fun and doable healthy living can be.
12 years old, thin... and developing plaque
There is a lot of attention these days on our nation's childhood obesity epidemic, and that's a very good thing. But it's not just overweight children who are in trouble. Our thin kids are, too.
Weight Loss, Family Style
By Timothy Gower, Oprah Magazine
Can the family that gains together lose together? Timothy Gower finds out. Priscilla Marquard was resolute: Her family was going to eat healthier than she did as a kid. "Being American, I ate McDonald’s. Being Southern, I ate fried food," she recalls in the soft drawl that betrays her Georgia upbringing.
"What can I do about my teenagers? They’re gaining a little too much weight."
Plenty! And it’s never too early to start. Childhood obesity is quickly becoming a national challenge. Almost a third of American children are either overweight or obese, and these numbers add up to some serious consequences.
Healthy Habits, Smarter Kids?
There’s plenty of research showing that healthy eating habits and daily physical activity can help children shed extra weight and improve heart health.
