The average body mass index (BMI) in the U.S. adults has stabilized while the rates of childhood obesity have exploded, according to a study published in the journal Medical Decision Making. Future obesity rate projections for children don't look good.
Using a simulation model based on U.S. national data from 2000-2004 and 2005-2006, including those in famous study NHANES cohort, the study focused on the future projections of the body mass index in the U.S. The statistical research was conducted based on sex, age and ethnicity.
These projections reveal that obesity rates in all age categories for the adult population of the United States will remain stable for the next 10 years. However, what comes to childhood obesity projections the results are less favorable and less encouraging.
Obesity rates will increase in
- Young adults (18-39 years) African-American
- Children - especially boys - (6-9 years)
- Afro-American Children 10 years and over
Preventing obesity in early childhood: "The unprecedented rise in obesity among the U.S. adults during the past two decades seems to have stabilized and will remain stable over the next 10 years," concludes Prof. Anirban Basu from the School of Medicine at the University of Chicago. "The rate of obesity, however, remains very high and we are particularly concerned about the increasing rates in childhood obesity between the ages of 6-9 years, especially in boys." As people age, this may again drive up the adult obesity rates in the United States. Professor Basu says preventing the rise of childhood obesity is therefore, of paramount importance.
Source: SAGE Med Decis Making, Vol. 0, No. 2009, 0272989X09351749v1 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0272989X09351749 “Forecasting Distribution of Body Mass Index in the United States: Is There MoreRoom for Growth? "
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Comments
#1 why
why do parents let there kids gain weight
#2 Parents and child obesity
Sounds like you are not a parent. Do you know how hard it is to control your child's eating behavior? No question, many parents don't eat healthy themselves and their kids become what they see. However, many others are fighting on many frontiers to keep their kids healthy.
Fast food, junk food, soda drinks, unhealthy school lunches.
We don't buy Coca Cola at home, but when we have guests we feel like we "must." Imagine how our guests would look at us or think of us if an average American family did not have Coca Cola on the table.
They won't "why don't you have coca cola," but they will think of it.
#3 Pop and children
Jack,
I say let them (the guests) think it! Or ask it! "Choosing healthier options for ourselves and our children" is definitely a legitimate answer. You could be great role models to your kids about how to make healthy choices even with peer pressure, and how to handle those questions that others ask. The "average American family" needs to change their habits, and seeing other "average families" making healthier choices may be just what they need. My parents never bought pop when I was growing up except for very rare occasions (but always had other options for guests like lemonade) and I am SO thankful now. I'm the only one of my good friends who isn't basically addicted to pop, and frankly their pop habits disgust me. I have my parents to thank for that!