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.
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!
Here at Barker Bariatric, we’re proud of our patients’ success. We also realize the critical role that family and friends play in supporting their surgical recoveries and lifestyle changes. To celebrate the opportunity we have to partner with hundreds of patients during their weight loss journey, we’re hosting an upcoming picnic and afternoon celebration at White Rock Lake. The gathering is a great opportunity to make new friends, hear inspiring stories and meet the Barker Bariatric team.
Details:
Join us on Saturday, June 5 at 11:45 a.m. We’ll gather at the Stone Table (near Barker Bariatric’s Lake Highlands Drive location) for barbecuing, outdoor games, prize raffles and more.
Call 1-888-One-DrBarker to RSVP–or email dawn@drwbarker.com. We can’t wait to see you there!
We all know that weight loss isn’t easy, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers against a gimmick designed to “inject” the fat away. Lipodissolve (also called lipolysis, lipozap and liptherapy), is an injection intended to permanently remove pockets of fat from the body.
Offered by medical spas around the country, lipodissolve is composed of drugs like phosphatidylcholine (PC) and deolycholate (DC), along with variations of herbal extracts and vitamins/minerals. According to the FDA, the medical spas offering these procedures are making “false and misleading claims” to consumers, since the product ingredients have not been proven effective in the dissolution of fat from the body. In addition, they have not been proven safe.
“We are concerned that these companies are misleading consumers,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “It is important for anyone who is considering this voluntary procedure to understand that the products used to perform lipodissolve procedures are not approved by FDA for fat removal.”
Some patients have also reported side effects after undergoing lipodissolve injections–ranging from skin scarring to painful, subcutaneous knots. Participating medical spas have received warning letters from the FDA (as of Apr. 7, 2010) for making false and misleading statements about their lipodissolve services/products, and consumers are urged to avoid these unproven procedures. You can find out the full story at the Consumer Affairs website.
Unlike “quick fixes” like lipodissolve, bariatric surgery is an FDA-approved way to lose weight. Barker Bariatric can help you determine the procedure that’s best for your body when you call 1-888-OneDrBarker today to schedule your comprehensive consultation.
From insurance assistance to quality medical care, Barker Bariatric provides patients the one-on-one care they need to transform their life and health. Enjoy Bill’s inspirational LapBand success story at Barker Bariatric’s YouTube channel if you’re considering Barker Bariatric for your weight loss surgery needs. Call 1-888-OneDrBarker today to schedule a personal consultation.
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