Weigh in:
do your kids -
make the grade?

by Penny M. Hagerman

When it comes to health and physical fitness, the majority of our nation's children no longer "make the grade," according to a study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The study, which examined fifth- and seventh-graders in Georgia, indicates that our kids are not only too heavy; they're also grossly out of shape. In fact, 30 percent of those surveyed were overweight with a body mass index (BMI) outside the healthy range, which experts now know leads to poor health later in life.

Other significant findings you may not be aware of:

• More than 9 million U.S. children are overweight.
• Being overweight as a child significantly increases the risk of heart disease in adulthood (as early as age 25).
• A reduction in physical activity during adolescence leads to increased incidence of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other weight-related and possibly life-threatening illnesses.
• Adolescents who are overweight between the ages of seven and 13 are much more likely to remain unhealthy and overweight as adults.

Taking a long, hard look

So why are our kids missing the mark when it comes to health? Why are they failing tests of physical strength, endurance and flexibility their counterparts of years ago passed with flying colors—and ending up with life-long disease and disability that might have otherwise been avoided?

Here's why: modern children and teens spend more time online, camped in front of the television and simply "vegging out" around the house than ever before in history. With decreased physical activity levels, higher caloric and fat intake from convenience and junk food, and poor nutrition habits part of everyday life, health and well-being are being sacrificed—and health affected forever.

Reversing these trends, doctors say, begins at home. Research shows that the more time parents spend teaching their kids good nutrition and engaging in aerobic, physical activity with them, the more likely their kids will carry good habits and a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.

Since even a few additional pounds increases risk, this provides much-needed incentive for those desiring to reverse the ill effects of extra weight and ensure long, productive lives for their offspring.

Tips for helping overweight kids get healthy

Overweight and obese kids carry social, psychological and emotional burdens that often lead to anger, despair and a sedentary lifestyle. And when overweight kids become overweight adults, the cost of health care and medical insurance is negatively affected as well.

But by following these tips that help improve quality of life, parents can start kids on the path to health, productivity—and cheaper health insurance rates.

1. Become a role model of overall health and well being. Since your kids are likely to emulate your behavior, setting a good example makes them more likely to carry good habits through to adulthood.
2. Foster a positive atmosphere that's safe and inviting, comforting and encouraging, and free of weight-related sarcasm. This enables kids to share their feelings freely and avoid starting destructive habits that may prove damaging to their health.
3. Emphasize your children's strengths. Praise them for the things they're good at and avoid focusing on areas of weakness.
4. Concentrate on behavior, rather than outcome. What really matters is making the right choices and following through with them.
5. Don't deny or ignore the obvious. If your child is packing on the pounds, acknowledge it—and work with him or her to remedy the situation before it gets further out of control.
6. Develop a support network. Get your overweight child socially involved in situations with other overweight kids. This helps them identify with others without feeling ostracized or left out.
7. Avoid the spotlight. Don't put overweight kids in situations where their physical performance is on display. This leads to embarrassment and, often, withdrawal.
8. Take your overweight child to a doctor for physical assessment. Professional advice will help you determine his best route to a healthy life.
9. Teach your children good nutrition. Most overweight kids have no idea how to make wise food choices, dish appropriate serving sizes or learn to recognize when they're actually full.
10. Reduce screen time. Many overweight kids spend too much time surfing the Internet and playing video games, and too little time participating in sports, walking the dog or getting other quality exercise.

Overweight kids and health insurance

In an effort to encourage parents to work toward healthy lifestyles with their children, some major insurance companies now offer financial reimbursement that pays for a number of visits to the doctor and a dietician each year.

Ask your health insurance company about these benefits, and use them to your advantage in helping your kids—and you—stay slim, healthy and strong. 

Making positive change

If your kids don't score an A+ on health, it's never too late to make positive change. So them up off the couch and get them moving!