While physicians are pleased to see obesity rates declining (or plateauing) for many adolescent groups, research indicates that obesity is still increasing among some racial and ethnic groups. The recent study, conducted by the University of California San Francisco, will be published in the Sept. 2010 edition of Pediatrics.
“While the decline and stabilization of obesity among certain groups is encouraging, we are seeing an increase in disparities that is troubling, especially among the most severely obese youth,” said the study’s first author, Kristine Madsen, MD, MPH–who is an assistant professor of pediatrics at UCSF. “As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is critical that we act quickly to address these disparities.”
The UCSF authors studied weight trends and body mass index (weight to height ratio) results from 2001 to 2008, targeting Hispanic, white, Asian, black and American Indian teens. Adolescents are considered obese if they have a BMI of 95 percent or above–and fit the “severely obese” category when the BMI is 99 percent or over.
After completion of the 8-year study, data suggested that obesity rates are decreasing among white and Asian groups, leveling off for Hispanic children and black males. Obesity rates among black and American Indian girls, however, are continuing to grow, and the groups are also seeing growing numbers of severely obese teens.
“We need to focus on implementing real change in the places where kids spend most of their time — at home, at school and in the after-school arena — to encourage healthier habits and reduce consumption,” Madsen said. “Priorities must be reconsidered so that health is not an afterthought.”
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So, what can you do about your teen’s health? The first, and most obvious step, is to encourage positive eating and activity habits. Plan healthy, balanced meals and family physical outings–like bike rides and walks–on a regular basis. In addition, write letters to your school and district administration to discourage the inclusion of soda and candy vending machines on school campuses. In response to parent concerns, many campuses have either banned vending machines altogether–or included only healthier options like juice and water. Finally, talk to your teen about the benefit of healthy lifestyle changes vs. quick fixes like diet pills. Many fad diets rob children of important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients–and any weight loss benefit they provide is short term, only. The best way to lose weight, and keep it off, is through permanent changes in daily diet and exercise.
Concerned about an obese teen? Call the weight loss experts at Barker Bariatric. Treating all ages and health conditions, our team can recommend weight loss options that will transform adolescents and help them achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle. Call 1-888-OneDrBarker for an appointment.
While Body Mass Index (BMI), a ratio of height to weight, was the previous gold standard for determining child obesity, researchers assert that there’s now a more accurate way to measure dangerous body fat levels. According to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, pediatricians should consider using neck circumference when assessing children for future weight problems.
Published in the renowned journal, Pediatrics, this recent study indicates that measuring neck circumference is (1) faster than other BMI measurement methods, (2) more consistent than waist measurements, which may vary after meals, and (2) easy and comfortable for kids, since they can keep their clothes on during the test.
According to Dr. Olubukola Nafiu of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a child or teenager’s neck circumference is generally accurate because it correlates well with both BMI and waist size. Reuters reported that the researchers also “pinpointed optimal cutoff points for neck circumference,” so physicians can more accurately determine obesity risk. For example, a neck circumference of greater than 11.2 inches in a child 6 years of age or younger is a potential indicator that he/she could be headed for obesity and future health problems.
In addition to warning physicians and patients about potential childhood obesity, Nafiu says that the neck measurements are also helpful for diagnosing future sleep apnea problems, since excess body weight is a risk factor for apnea. 
Find out more by reading the full Pediatrics abstract here.
In a world of thin celebrities, the new TV show, Huge, is making a statement. Debuting on ABC Family on Mon., June 28, Huge focuses on a group of teens who make friends, experience romance and transform their minds and bodies–all while attending a weight loss camp.
“We’re the first full plus-size cast, I think, in the history of TV. It’s so amazing and so groundbreaking and such an honor to be part of it. We’re showing the world most of America is not a size 2,” said Nikki Blonsky, who plays Willamina on the new TV program.
According to critics, the cast is full of a variety of authentic, down-to-earth characters. From sarcastic to upbeat, kids attending ABC’s plus-size weight loss camp are a refreshing change from the typical “thin-is-in” cast of characters.
Savannah Dooley, who has struggled with her own self-image issues, worked with her mom to develop the new show. “I was interested in doing something I could feel wasn’t offensive but that was in-depth and real,” says Dooley, who understands that weight is not an easy topic to broach on television. She feels, though, that the program is about much more than losing pounds.
“I think we’ve always seen the show as being about transformation. It’s about the idea that you could potentially transform yourself into a version of yourself that you dream of,” Dooley said. “Obviously, that doesn’t pertain just to weight.”
Interested in learning more about ABC Family’s new program? Catch trailers, blogs and cast bios at Huge’s new website.
Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30 PM
Join us on June 30 to replenish your closets at Barker Bariatric’s Clothing Exchange! No matter what stage you’re at in your weight loss journey, this event is designed to fill in the wardrobe gaps as you’re losing weight.
Ready to help others through their weight loss transition? Bring your gently used clothing to Barker Bariatric by tomorrow. Patients participating or donating items are free to shop around for their own clothing needs.
It’s free to attend the Clothing Exchange, and all donated items are available free of charge, as well!
Think you don’t have enough time to fit in a daily workout? Think again. O Magazine’s Selene Yeager discusses how rigorous, 20-25 minute interval workout plans can quickly boost your metabolism and burn a surprising number of calories.
CLICK HERE to read all about it.
