A recent study conducted by Rachel Kimbro of the University of Wisconsin shows that the percentage of overweight children ages 1 to 3 is rising. 32% of the white and black children studied were overweight or obese, in contract to 44% of Hispanic children.
There seems to be no relation between income status and weight gain; children in the lowest income group actually have the largest percentage weight gain.
The study was published on 12/28/06 on the American Journal of Public Health Website.
The Mayo Clinic website has an extensive report on Childhood Obesity. It recommends choosing fruits and vegetables rather than convenience foods which tend to be high in sugars and fats.
Snacks should be healthy ones. Sugary soft drinks should also be avoided - even those that appear to be healthy because of fruit juice content/ Such drinks tend to "spoil the appetite" for regular meals later on.
Limit or avoid white bread, pasta, and white rice. Sugary desserts and high-carb foods and snacks are NO-NOs. Avoid fried foods - baked or broiled are much better. Preparing proper meals for your child will help in parents' weight control, too!
If your family eats out often, try to avoid fast food emporiums, which tend to feature high fate and high calorie foods.
Remember, adults set examples for children. If parents spends "snack time" in front of the television set, it's hard to forbid such behavior for children. Child eating habits are well-established by age 3, and are hard to change after that.
About the Author
Semi-retired management consultant, working with daily and weekly newspapers in advertising rate analysis and sales training. Current interests are in health issues, and most postings will be on this subject. Complete bio in WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA
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