Call today, start losing tonight!
(503) 726-0400
Adolescent Obesity
Metabolic Research Center’s mission is to help people get healthy. In the process of losing weight, you’re also learning to treat your body with respect. The education you receive while on Program will extend to the health of your entire family!
In the U.S. approximately nine million children over the age of 6 are obese (over 30% body fat). The statistics are staggering. In the past 30 years the percent of obese boys and girls has increased from 4% to 16%. Additionally, overweight children are 79% more likely to become obese adults.
The actual cause of obesity is unknown, but obesity has been linked to a decrease in physical activity and an increase in overall calorie consumption. This increase is mainly due to eating more “convenience foods”, dining out more frequently at fast food restaurants, and in making unhealthy choices at the school cafeteria!
Health problems related to childhood obesity are on the rise. They include, but are not limited to: asthma, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, abnormal bone growth, sleep apnea and even mental disorders such as depression and low self esteem.
Type 2 diabetes used to be referred to as “adult onset diabetes”, however, more and more children are developing this condition. Prior to 1992, only 2-4% of childhood diabetes was type 2. A 1994 reassessment revealed a shocking increase to 16%.
Encourage childhood health by encouraging a couple of these tips:
- Have your children drink more water!
- Limit their intake of sugary beverages such as soft drinks (you’ll prevent tooth decay in the process).
- Provide healthy snack options such as fresh fruit and vegetables (rather than those that are high in fat, sugar, and low in essential nutrients).
- Avoid using food as a reward or withholding food as a punishment (these practices may create unhealthy emotional connections to food).
- Nothing beats eating a home-cooked meal with your family – do it often!
- Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV.
- Start every day with a healthy breakfast!
- Encourage active play
Avoid pre-prepared and sugared foods whenever possible.
Written by, T. Clark
Edited by, G. Spence
Call us at 503-726-0400. Or send us an email:
Locations
Beaverton Location
Phone: 503.643.8480
Fax: 503.643.8320
Email: mrcbea@verizon.net
8285 SW Nimbus Rd., Suite 113 Beaverton, OR 97008
Hillsboro Location
Phone: 503.726.0400
Fax: 503.726.0404
Email: mrchill@integra.net
20827 N. W. Cornell Rd., Suite 200 Hillsboro, OR 97124