Which do you think cuts more American lives short - obesity or tobacco?
Researchers who analyzed data from 2014 found that obesity was the leading cause of life-years lost. In fact, obesity steals more years from American lives than high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, too!
The Cleveland Clinic research team found that obesity was linked with as much as 47% more years of life lost than tobacco! 1 While this research is preliminary, it does highlight the importance of weight control.
Obesity is not only affecting adults, though. Today, about one in five school-aged children (ages 6–19) has obesity.2 What's worse is the concomitant epidemic of oblivobesity. This term, coined by Dr. David Katz, refers to when both parents and pediatricians are oblivious to their child's overweight or obese status.
Some studies show that as many as 30-45% of parents fail to recognize their child is overweight or obese. 3
While it is desirable to avoid forcing any weight obsession onto a child, there are ways to help a child become more aware of any weight issues that could harm (and even shorten) their life in the future.
Have friendly, open conversations with your child about healthy eating and daily physical activity.
Involve your child in grocery shopping and meal planning. Let them pick a new fruit to try in a smoothie or vegetable at the grocery store to experiment with at home.
Involve your kid in food prep. This can heighten their interest in the healthier foods being prepared.
When you engage in physical activity with your child, you are setting an example that will speak volumes. Help your child see that physical activity can be fun. Think of creative ways to get them moving, such as outdoor games, dancing, or races.
If you're struggling with your own weight as well, don't get discouraged. View this as an opportunity to work together to improve your health.
References
1. Preidt, R. (2017, April 24). The Top 5 Conditions That Shorten Americans' Lives -- And Are Preventable. Retrieved April 27, 2017, from https://consumer.healthday.com/vitamins-and-nutrition-information-27/obesity-health-news-505/the-top-5-conditions-that-shorten-americans-lives-and-are-preventable-721890.html
2. JAMA, 2016. 315(21): p. 2292-2299.
3. "Is "Oblivobesity" a Problem in Your Family?" Www.eatright.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.