Be honest, parents. When you reach for a snack, is it a healthy choice, such as fruit, yogurt, or nuts, or do you reach for the junk food? While chips, cookies, and sodas are definitely delicious, they’re not very nutritious. And when you reach for these non-nutritious snacks, you’re setting an example that your children will follow.
A study published in the journal Obesity found that leading by example is the most important action parents can take when trying to help an overweight or obese child lose weight (Boutelle, Cafri & Crow, 2012). The researchers found that when the parents became a role model for healthy eating and living, their children followed suit.
Parents as healthy role models is more important today than ever. Over the past three decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that obesity among adolescents is rising at alarming rates.
Between 1976-1980 and 2007-2008, obesity rates among adolescents age 12-19 have increased from 5.0% to 18.1% (NCHS Health E-stat). Even more alarming is that 80% of adolescents ages 10-15 who battle obesity persist to become obese adults by age 25 (Frieden, T.R., Dietz, W. & Collins, J., 2010).
That’s why it’s so important that parents reflect a healthy lifestyle so that they can help address and solve the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.
With its PowerPlay™ Program for ages 12-18, Medi-Weightloss Clinics® now offers weight loss solutions for the entire family. PowerPlay™ is based on the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, with an emphasis on physical activity and nutrition.
Developed by a team of experts in pediatrics, public health, bariatrics, and nutrition, PowerPlay™ consists of individual and family consultation, a multivitamin and calcium supplement, and nutrition and exercise education.
PowerPlay™ provides weekly support, encouragement, motivation, and the education your adolescent needs to learn how to lose weight in the real world using real food. The program also provides recipes, shopping lists, and guidance for dining out. The staff at PowerPlay™ is determined to teach your teen how to overcome temptations and win the weight loss battle. With the help of PowerPlay™, you can make a difference in your child’s future!
Research shows that the only consistent predictor of a child’s weight loss is parents’ weight loss and BMI drop. Are you ready to start being a healthy role model for your child? Medi-Weightloss Clinics® can help you and your teen change your lives. Call 1.877.MED.LOSS or visit www.mediweightlossclinics.com to learn more.
Boutelle, K., Cafri, G., & Crow, S. (February 2012). Parent Predictors of Child Weight Change in Family Based Behavioral Obesity Treatment. Obesity. DOI: 10.1038/oby.2012.48.
Frieden, T.R., Dietz, W. & Collins, J. (March 2010). Reducing Childhood Obesity Through Policy Change: Acting Now To Prevent Obesity. Health Affairs, 29, 3357-363.
NCHS Health E-stat: Prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents, United States, trends 1963-1965 through 2007-2008. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm.