The rates of overweight children are alarmingly high – 1 out of 3 children are now considered overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is considered an epidemic in the U.S. – about 32% of children; in Utah about 9.7% of elementary school students were obese and 22.5% were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight(http://health.utah.gov/obesity/docs/2008Ht_Wt_4_page.pdf ). Obesity is second to smoking in the leading causes of death in America. Obesity leads to many other problems including Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The way to combat this is by changing the lifestyle of children; setting healthy habits for life. Children need to be more active and eat healthier foods. The goal is not just to lose weight, but to change your lifestyle. It takes work and diligence; there is not a quick fix!
However, there are many who look to “diet pills” as the way to go. Diet pills are very dangerous for adults and should be forbidden for children. Most pediatricians recommend trying to help children and teenagers by eating a low-fat diet, being very active, and other techniques for staying on target. There is not a lot of information about children using diet pills. Dr. Graham Archard said, “Children should not come to rely on tablets to keep their weight down.” We don’t want a pill-popping society; that doesn’t teach good habits or responsibility. Diet pills may actually encourage more eating disorders such as bingeing.
There are diet pills that are being sold over the Internet. Some are even marketed as a “natural” herb supplement for children. “Natural” does not mean its safe. One “diet pill” had 3 herbs in it. One of the herbs was a diuretic and another one can be toxic to the liver. A poll was done that showed that 11% of parents would give their child diet pills and 32% were not sure (http://www.obesitysanswer.com/index.php?cid=824). Often diet pills do cause weight loss, but it comes back when the pills are stopped if the lifestyle has not been changed.
There are those few people who have tried everything and nothing works. Some teenagers claim they do everything they are suppose to and still can’t lose weight. Usually doctors will only prescribe diet pills in extreme cases. This is only after the child has done everything possible and worked diligently at it. Parents can get diet pills such as BioSlim Youth System and Freedom Fighters Kit off of the Internet. However, little research has been done in children using these types of drugs. Drugs may be useful for very few situations – as a last resort.
The things that need to be done are not complex, but it does take discipline and motivation. Teenagers and children need to be more active. This includes exercise, but also just being more active throughout the day and playing more rather than sitting in front of the computer or television. Diet is also a major factor. Junk food and high-fat foods need to be replaced with healthier choices. More fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be eaten. Moderation is the key. Eating out occasionally is fine, but not every night.
Parents play a huge role and set a good example. They need to teach good ha
bits that can be kept for a lifetime. Parents are responsible for providing healthy foods at home. Have healthy snacks available and limit sweetened beverages. Try to sit down together as a family for meals. Parents can also encourage children to be more active and plan activities rather than allowing them to spend most of their time in front of the TV. Find activities that the family can do together. Schools can help by offering healthier food choices at lunch time as well as in vending machines and getting rid of soda. Also, schools can help by providing more time for physical activity.
A pill may cause one to lose weight, but it is not the solution to the problem. That only teaches children that they can eat junk food, get fat, and then take a pill to try and solve the problem. The solution needs to be one of lifestyle with the goal for lasting change. Drugs can not replace the need for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
However, there are many who look to “diet pills” as the way to go. Diet pills are very dangerous for adults and should be forbidden for children. Most pediatricians recommend trying to help children and teenagers by eating a low-fat diet, being very active, and other techniques for staying on target. There is not a lot of information about children using diet pills. Dr. Graham Archard said, “Children should not come to rely on tablets to keep their weight down.” We don’t want a pill-popping society; that doesn’t teach good habits or responsibility. Diet pills may actually encourage more eating disorders such as bingeing.
There are diet pills that are being sold over the Internet. Some are even marketed as a “natural” herb supplement for children. “Natural” does not mean its safe. One “diet pill” had 3 herbs in it. One of the herbs was a diuretic and another one can be toxic to the liver. A poll was done that showed that 11% of parents would give their child diet pills and 32% were not sure (http://www.obesitysanswer.com/index.php?cid=824). Often diet pills do cause weight loss, but it comes back when the pills are stopped if the lifestyle has not been changed.
There are those few people who have tried everything and nothing works. Some teenagers claim they do everything they are suppose to and still can’t lose weight. Usually doctors will only prescribe diet pills in extreme cases. This is only after the child has done everything possible and worked diligently at it. Parents can get diet pills such as BioSlim Youth System and Freedom Fighters Kit off of the Internet. However, little research has been done in children using these types of drugs. Drugs may be useful for very few situations – as a last resort.
The things that need to be done are not complex, but it does take discipline and motivation. Teenagers and children need to be more active. This includes exercise, but also just being more active throughout the day and playing more rather than sitting in front of the computer or television. Diet is also a major factor. Junk food and high-fat foods need to be replaced with healthier choices. More fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be eaten. Moderation is the key. Eating out occasionally is fine, but not every night.
Parents play a huge role and set a good example. They need to teach good ha
bits that can be kept for a lifetime. Parents are responsible for providing healthy foods at home. Have healthy snacks available and limit sweetened beverages. Try to sit down together as a family for meals. Parents can also encourage children to be more active and plan activities rather than allowing them to spend most of their time in front of the TV. Find activities that the family can do together. Schools can help by offering healthier food choices at lunch time as well as in vending machines and getting rid of soda. Also, schools can help by providing more time for physical activity.A pill may cause one to lose weight, but it is not the solution to the problem. That only teaches children that they can eat junk food, get fat, and then take a pill to try and solve the problem. The solution needs to be one of lifestyle with the goal for lasting change. Drugs can not replace the need for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
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