When looking at individuals born between 1976-1985 and those born 1966-1975, 20% were obese by 20-29 years of age. Comparing this to older generations, individuals born between 1946-55 were 30-39 years of age before reaching the 20% level of obesity; those born 1956-65 were 40-49. For individuals born between 1936-45, they didn’t reach prevalence of obesity before age 50-59.
So our kids are becoming obese at younger ages. Therefore, they will have a lifetime of struggling with their weight.
What can parents do?
- MODEL healthy eating. You can’t tell your children what to eat if you continue to eat poorly.
- Exercise together as a family even if its just going for daily walks or bike rides.
- Don’t focus on a child’s appearance, rather find ways to compliment their other good deeds: are they a good student, a kind person, good at music or other talents?
- Eat at least one meal a day with your children.
- Don’t tease them about their weight.
If you’re interested in changing your lifestyle and eating behaviors, call about FREE lectures on weight management being offered monthly in Metro Denver – (303) 355-2445.
