Childhood Obesity Epidemic Starts at the Dinner Table

As childrens’ BMIs continue to rise, it seems like childhood obesity is becoming more of the norm.
 
According to the CDC, obesity now affects one in six children.

While exercise and a healthy diet are still the answer to staying trim, one pediatrician at Essentia says there’s a reason kids can’t keep off the weight.
 
Students at St. Joseph’s School start their day a little differently than most.
 
“So we commit to 60 minutes of physical activity a day for all of our kids,” says St. Joseph’s School Principal, Andrew Hilliker.
 
As more computers replace children’s playing outside, Hilliker says he feels it’s the school’s responsibility to make sure kids stay kids.
 
“Kids do enjoy playing they enjoy playing games we played 10, 15, 20, 30 years ago but they have to be given the opportunity to do that,” he says.

Unfortunately, exercise isn’t the only solution to stopping this epidemic.

The food that fuels them may play an even bigger role.
 
“When a regular child’s meal…when you go out to eat is a sandwich with a bun served along a side a plate that’s filled with 3/4 French fries we have so much starch carbohydrates,” says Essentia Health Pediatrician, Dr. Jenifer Jones-Dees.
 
So what’s the problem with carbohydrates?

Well, they produce a chemical called insulin and insulin causes you to store fat.

The higher your insulin levels are, the more fat you store.
 
“They’re going to have a very difficult time mobilizing that fat even though they’re exercising,” says Dr. Jones-Dees.
 
Added sugars are another insulin booster and those sugars are found in most children’s foods.
 
“It’s important for us as a parent generation to look at our foods where they’re sourced from and what kind of nutrients they’re providing,” says Dr. Jones-Dees.
 
To reverse this epidemic it will take some work, but Dr. Jones-Dees remains hopeful.
 
“Can we make modifications to this just by literally working on diet and the short answer to this is yes,” says Dr. Jones-Dees.
 
Dr. Jones-Dees tells me bad eating habits are usually passed down through the family.

She encourages parents to avoid the easy processed meals, and of course, always opt for more fruits and veggies.