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5 quick tips for parents of overweight kids
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More than 25 million American children are obese or at risk for becoming obese. If you’re the parent of an overweight kid, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help your child. BeSmartBeWell.com interviewed leading childhood obesity experts, as well as parents and kids, to come up with some practical advice for dealing with the problem. Here are just a few of their habits to have.
“Portion control is really important.”
Cindy Miller, Austin’s Mom
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Make family dinners a priority.
Studies show that kids in families that sit down together for dinner several nights a week are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits and behavior. They also do better in school.
Be a role model.
Even if it seems like your kids, especially teenagers, don’t notice anything about you, they do. Don’t just tell your kids to eat healthy snacks, have one yourself.
But remember, no one is perfect.
Not everything that goes into your mouth is going to be 100% nutritious. And that’s OK. Show your kids how to have a healthy relationship with food by remembering moderation and eating right throughout the day.
No more portion distortion.
A good way to keep from overeating is to use smaller plates and smaller bowls. We’re used to filling plates, but that’s usually more calories than we need.
Make food fun.
If eating right seems like punishment, no kid will want to do it. Involve your children in meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking. Give your child several healthy choices and let him or her plan dinner.
See more Habits to Have®, watch interviews with leading experts, and learn from kids and parents talking about childhood obesity at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Teaching kids how to eat–not how to diet–key to obesity battle
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“When people ask me, ‘so are you on a diet?’
I’m like, ‘no, I’m not on a diet, I just eat healthier.’”
Alejandra, 11
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More than anything, bad habits are to blame for the childhood obesity epidemic. For Alejandra and her parents, food was an expression of love. But overeating and other unhealthy habits led this 11-year-old Hispanic girl to become an overweight kid.
“What I mostly want to do when I grow up is be a chef… and I want to be a healthy cooker.”
Alejandra, 11
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More than 25 million American children are obese or at risk for becoming obese. Overweight children face serious health risks, including diabetes and heart disease. Today, Alejandra has learned that you can love cooking and eating, and still be healthy. She is one of five children who offer their story and advice to kids and parents at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Make schools healthy to beat childhood obesity,
says leading expert
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Parents play an important role in shaping their children’s view of food and exercise. But school-age children spend much of their time away from their parents—in school and amongst their peers. That’s why making schools healthy, with lots of nutritious food choices and plenty of opportunity for exercise, is key to winning the battle against childhood obesity, says Ginny Ehrlich, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Ginny and others experts recently spoke to BeSmartBeWell.com about the childhood obesity epidemic and its causes and solutions.
BSBW: Why are schools so important in the fight against childhood obesity?
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Ehrlich: Young people have access to the food that schools provide to them, and so the onus is on the systems to create the opportunity for kids to have access to healthy products. We also know that many schools are electing to eliminate recess in favor of more academic time. 92% of high school students do not receive daily physical education. Physical activity has been shown to increase attention span, reduce behavior issues in schools, increase attendance. We really we need to change the environment around young people [to be] consistently promoting physical activity and healthy eating.
See video of Ginny Ehrlich and many other experts, parents and kids, as well as a practical list of 10 Habits to Have® that can help families tackle the childhood obesity epidemic at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Eliminate childhood obesity? One African-American teen is trying
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“It’s really hard for kids. They don’t realize that
they have to make choices.”
Akeila, 16
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Even though she’s only a teenager, Akeila understands how childhood obesity starts. Sugary, unhealthy snacks are cheap and easy to get; watching TV or playing video games seems easier than getting out and exercising. But this African-American teen also understands kids have the power to make healthy choices. She does every day, and she’s lost 30 pounds as a result.
“I see where my generation is going. I’m trying to help change that and show kids they can do whatever they
believe they can!”
Akeila, 16
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Akeila used to snack on junk food and eat fast food too often. Then she made the connection between her food choices, her weight and how she felt. She is one of five children who share their stories and advice for kids and parents at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Sidelined by weight, teen battles obesity with sports and exercise
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“When I was upset, I ate.
When I was angry, I ate.
When I was happy, I ate.”
Aaron, 15
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Like many kids, Aaron loved video games, and he’d often play for hours on end. But when Aaron tried some of the same sports he’d mastered as video games, he had a problem: too much screen time had made him an overweight kid and he couldn’t keep up.
Sidelined by his weight—and tired of how that made him feel—Aaron decided he needed to eat less and exercise more. He stuck with sports and started paying more attention to his diet. Along the way, he gained confidence and self-esteem.
“I’ve seen my body change, my muscles grow bigger,
my fat disappear. I like it! I like the change in me.”
Aaron, 15
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More than 25 million American children are obese or at risk for obesity. Overweight kids face serious health risks, including diabetes and heart disease. But Aaron and others are working to turn that tide. He’s one of five children who offer their story and advice to kids and parents at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Practical tools and tips to battle childhood obesity
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If you’re the parent of an overweight kid, or even if you’d just like your family to eat healthier, you might be wondering where you can turn for trusted advice and guidance. BeSmartBeWell.com has gathered a number of resources to help you understand childhood obesity and how your family can make positive, lasting changes in your eating and exercise habits.
“We had to change how we did everything.
I got active and I ate healthy.”
Austin, 11
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Link to dozens of respected organizations and leading authorities on childhood obesity, nutrition and healthy eating. Read tips for parents and visit sites just for kids. Hear national experts discussing childhood obesity, and watch personal video stories of parents and kids talking about practical solutions, all at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Fighting childhood obesity a family affair
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“I sat down with the kids and said, ‘I want us to be together as long as we possibly can. If we keep eating the way we have eaten, living the way we have lived, we’re not going to be.’ ”
Austin’s mom
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Childhood obesity is not just a kid problem. It’s a problem for the entire family because parents are the ones who shop, cook and lead by example. And that’s why the key to battling childhood obesity is tackling it together. That’s what 11-year-old Austin learned when he and his family decided to change their ways. As a family, they cut out junk food and began exercising more. Together, they’ve lost more than 200 pounds.
“I'm not going to be younger than my mom when I die. I want to live to be like 100 and do a ton of things. I want to travel to Paris! I want to go to Italy!”
Austin, 11
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Austin had always been an overweight kid, but when his mom sat the family down and explained the dangerous path they were all on, he made it his goal to eat right and get healthy. He is one of five children who share their stories and advice for kids and parents at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Parents must step up to win war against childhood obesity
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Over the past 20 years, physical education teacher Terry Wade has seen a dramatic change in her students. Childhood obesity is rampant, and lack of exercise and overeating is leading to serious health problems in kids. What to do? Step up as role models and lead by example, says Wade, who is also a volunteer coordinator for the youth fitness and nutrition program Marathon Kids. Wade and other experts recently spoke to BeSmartBeWell.com about the childhood obesity epidemic and what parents can do to help their kids.
BSBW: How can parents fight childhood obesity?
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Wade: Childhood obesity is a culmination of bad habits that we’ve all gotten into. The biggest thing for parents now is to step up to the plate and be the role model. You need to be an inspiration.
BSBW: Where do we start?
Wade: Set goals for yourself and your family, but be realistic. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you can make 10 or 15 minutes to go to Starbucks, you can make 10 or 15 minutes to walk around the block. Or walk together as a family one night a week. You’re going to find out more about your child in those 10 minutes than you do the entire rest of the week. If we don’t start making some strong decisions about making good choices, than we really are going to be in a world of hurt. We can’t afford not to do this.
See video of Terry Wade and many other experts, parents and kids, as well as a practical list of 10 Habits to Have® that can help families tackle the childhood obesity epidemic at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Facing health, heart risks at age 5
Poor diet affecting ever-younger kids.
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Tags: childhood obesity, overweight kids, overweight children, eating healthier, kids with weight issues
“When I was 5 I had the highest triglycerides and it was so dangerous. I don’t want to be unhealthy and get those high triglycerides again.”
Maya, 7
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Up until a few years ago, Maya ate like most American children—lots of kid-friendly foods like pizza and chicken nuggets and not a whole lot of fruits and vegetables. She was a little overweight, but nothing that seemed too out of the ordinary. But at age 5, Maya’s doctor discovered that her triglyceride levels were a shocking 861 mg/dL (normal is less than 150 mg/dL). High triglycerides are linked to high cholesterol and heart problems—health issues that used to be limited to adults, but are increasingly seen in today’s children, thanks to the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Maya’s family realized they needed a new ordinary. With medical supervision, the family made lifestyle changes without making sacrifices, and daily exercise and healthy eating are now their new normal.
“Even though there are medications to control cholesterol levels, they’re unsafe for children. So at that point we changed our entire lifestyle.”
Maya’s mom
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Maya is one of five children who share their stories and advice for kids and parents at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Childhood obesity and heart disease;
why heart month matters
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“Fatness sort of hurts your heart. If your heart is hurt, you
won’t live that long. Everyone wants to live long, that’s why it’s not good for you.”
Maya, 7
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With childhood obesity on the rise, more children are experiencing health problems that used to be reserved for adults. And being overweight as a kid increases the risk for heart disease and stroke down the road. Even kids who aren’t yet obese may be living unhealthy lifestyles that put their heart health at risk. That was the case for Maya, who was only 5 when she learned her triglycerides levels were nearly six times the healthy level. High triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and are an important measure of heart health.
“I've seen high cholesterol levels in toddlers, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides. These used
to be considered old people problems and we’re seeing
them in little kids.”
Dr. David Thoele, pediatric cardiologist
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Fortunately, kids still have time to change their eating and exercise habits. With medical supervision, Maya and her family learned to lower her triglycerides with diet changes and increased physical activity. She is one of five children who share their stories and heart-smart advice for kids and parents at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Who’s responsible for the childhood obesity epidemic?
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Who’s to blame for the childhood obesity epidemic? It doesn’t matter, says Steven Galson, M.D., former Acting U.S. Surgeon General. The important thing now, Dr. Galson says, is for all of us—from parents through the highest levels of government—to recognize our role in influencing kids’ eating and exercise habits. As Acting Surgeon General, Dr. Galson launched Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future, a nationwide initiative that promotes the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. Dr. Galson and others experts recently spoke to BeSmartBeWell.com about how to tackle childhood obesity.
BSBW: How did we get to this point?
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Dr. Galson: It’s extremely important to look at this problem in a societal context. We’re building suburbs without sidewalks. We’re designing our cities so that people are required to drive rather than bike. Frequently it’s impossible to get from one place to the next without taking an elevator. But we will not make improvements if people are focused on the blame. The important positive way to look at this is to realize that every single young person and every single parent, every community, every leader of a community organization, people in government at all levels, every single sector at every single level can have an impact and can make positive changes in our society.
BSBW: Where do we start?
Dr. Galson: On one level it’s complex and depressing. On the other level there’s real hope and there are really specific things that you can do to make a difference. When you boil it down it has to do with understanding what a healthy diet is and then taking steps to consume a healthier diet and help the young people around you eat better. Number two it has to do with getting more physical activity. Our kids should be getting at least an hour of physical activity every single day. If we would just get adequate amounts of physical activity and eat better we would see a big difference.
See video of Dr. Galson and many other experts, parents and kids, as well as a practical list of 10 Habits to Have® that can help families tackle the childhood obesity epidemic at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Get kids excited about food by making it fun, nutrition expert says
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Most kids have no interest in developing a closer relationship with spinach. But who says good nutrition and eating right can’t be fun? With just a little creativity, parents can get kids to embrace healthy foods and healthy habits—and combat childhood obesity along the way, says Kari Bachman, a nutrition educator with New Mexico State University. Bachman and other experts recently spoke to BeSmartBeWell.com about childhood obesity and what we can do to prevent it.
BSBW: How do we teach our kids to make healthy choices?
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Bachman: It’s not a hard thing to get kids excited about food. It just takes a little bit of imagination on the part of adults. So often nutrition seems like something that’s a chore, that doesn’t taste good, that’s not fun. But you can have fun and you can enjoy your food without sacrificing nutrition.
BSBW: Are there any other smart, easy tips you’d like to share?
Bachman: When you take your kids to the grocery store, have them look for different vegetables and fruits that they don’t know—like a scavenger hunt. Take local apples—kids love cutting into them, seeing what the seeds look like, tasting the differences, whether the skin is crunchy or whether it’s got a little bit of give to it. And when you’re eating foods that are very rich in calories and fat, try to use smaller bowls, plates, and glasses. When you’re eating foods that are more dense and nutrient rich, try to use larger plates.
See video of Kari Bachman and many other experts, parents and kids, as well as a practical list of 10 Habits to Have® that can help families tackle the childhood obesity epidemic at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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How do we stop childhood obesity? Ask your kids, expert says
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Kids and teens often think they know what’s best. So when it comes to preventing childhood obesity, maybe we should listen to them, says Baker Harrell, executive director of ACTIVE Life, a non-profit organization that seeks to combat obesity with social activism. Empowering kids to help families be healthier is more effective than lecturing our children on the importance of good nutrition, he says. Harrell and other experts recently spoke to BeSmartBeWell.com about the childhood obesity epidemic, its causes and solutions.
BSBW: How do we talk to today’s kids—the so-called ‘M generation’—about healthy choices?
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Harrell: Young people in this generation seek out empowering experiences—experiences that allow their voice to be heard. For parents, what’s important is not talking down or telling a child to do something and instead becoming a collaborative partner with that young person. Let their voice be heard and let their perspective be heard and let their fears and desires be heard.
BSBW: How do we do that when it comes to food and nutrition?
Harrell: Look for opportunities to be active together as a family or to talk about food, and talk about healthy, nutritious food around the dinner table. But engage and then empower your children to become part of the family’s conversation. Admit to your child, ‘hey, I need your help, our family needs your help and we need your voice. We need you to play a lead role in helping our family live a healthy, active lifestyle.’ That’s not something a young person hears very often.
See video of Baker Harrell and many other experts, parents and kids, as well as a practical list of 10 Habits to Have® that can help families tackle the childhood obesity epidemic at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Health insurer launches childhood obesity portal
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BeSmartBeWell.com is produced by the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer with the participation of some of the nation’s most reputable health organizations. It is intended to serve as a non-commercial resource for the public seeking information about various subjects.
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The childhood obesity portal aims to help the 25 million American kids who face serious health risks such as heart disease and diabetes. It uses compelling video from “real people” as well as health and nutrition experts, in addition to helpful Habits to Have® and links to trusted resources. As a result, families are able to better understand the problem and make healthy, lasting changes to their eating and exercise habits.
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BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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Childhood obesity news you can use at BeSmartBeWell.com
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If you’re the parent of an overweight child, are interested in childhood nutrition and health, or just want to help your family eat healthier, you’re probably looking for the latest childhood obesity news and research. BeSmartBeWell.com features a weekly roundup of the top news stories relating to childhood obesity and is a reliable source for information and tips.
This week’s top news stories on BeSmartBeWell.com:
Federal panel urges obesity screening for kids ages 6 and up
A federal panel of health experts has issued new recommendations.
How to Raise Healthy Eaters
Dr. Edward Abramson, author of "Emotional Eating," offers advice for parents with kids with unhealthy relationships to food.
CDC Study Finds 1 in 5 American Youths Have Abnormal Lipids
Twenty percent of young people aged 12-19 years in the United States have at least one abnormal lipid level, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read the latest articles, studies and opinions and then link to dozens of respected organizations and leading authorities on childhood obesity, nutrition and healthy eating. View tips for parents and visit sites just for kids. Hear national experts discussing childhood obesity, and watch personal video stories of parents and kids talking about practical solutions, all at BeSmartBeWell.com.
BeSmartBeWell.com highlights important health topics like childhood obesity with real-people videos, practical advice from leading experts and resources that inform and empower consumers. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. See all topics at BeSmartBeWell.com.
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5 Quick Tips for Parents of Overweight Kids
Teaching kids how to eat–not how to diet–key to obesity battle
Make schools healthy to beat childhood obesity, says leading expert
Eliminate childhood obesity? One African-American teen is trying
Sidelined by weight, teen battles obesity with sports and exercise
Practical tools and tips to battle childhood obesity
Fighting childhood obesity a family affair
Parents must step up to win war against childhood obesity
Facing heart disease at age 5. Obesity affecting ever-younger kids
Childhood obesity and heart disease;
why heart month matters
Who’s responsible for the childhood obesity epidemic?
Get kids excited about food by making it fun, nutrition expert says
How do we stop childhood obesity? Ask your kids, expert says
