Overweight Teens Not Eating More Calories-Physical Activity is the Answer
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics finds that overweight teens ate fewer calories than normal weight teens of the same age. Researchers collected and analyzed data from close to 13,000 US children between 2001-2008 on the number of calories eaten using a two-day food questionnaire.
Many people assume that the cause of excess weight in overweight and obese children is from eating too many calories. This study found this to be true in younger age ranges, 3-5 year old obese girls and 6-7 year old obese boys. However, results were not the same when researchers looked at obese 12-14 year old girls and obese 16-17 year old boys. They actually ate less calories than their healthy weight counterparts, 110 calories and 375 calories fewer respectively. And, the overweight and obese children were less active than the normal weight children in the study. Researchers found that as children grow, it becomes harder to lose the excess weight they gain in their earlier years just by cutting calories alone. Physical activity seems to play more of a leading role in the weight and health of growing children than reducing calories. Parents of overweight children should be focusing on the overall picture of health, not just calories consumed.
Children are drawn to activities they enjoy so find out what sports or games your children like to play. Turning the physical activity into something they want to do and not have to do will encourage them stick to it. Including the whole family can make your children more interested because they will see you setting a healthy example for them as well. Even if weight loss is not occurring or is slow, your child will be developing better cardiovascular health and overall stamina by making physical activity a part of daily life.
How will you encourage increased physical activity in your child’s life to promote a healthier future for your child and your family?
Fiber makes us feel completely fielld sooner and stays in our stomach longer than other substances we eat, inhibiting our rate of digestion and keeping us feeling full longer. Due to its significantly greater fiber content, a single serving of whole grain bread can be more filling than two servings of white bread. Fiber also moves fat through our digestive system faster so that less of it is absorbed.
I really liked your blog, appreciate the great information.
Thanks!