The latest news on obesity and chronic disease isn't good. According to a new study out of Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston, kids today are heavier than ever.
Researchers followed three groups of young children for 6 years, beginning with the first group in 1988. The second group of kids was followed from 1994 to 2000, and the third group was followed from 2000 to 2006. The obesity rate increased from 13 percent at the end of the first study group, in 1994, to approximately 16 percent at the end of the third group in 2006.
Lots of Heavy Kids, Lots of Heavy Adults
This means that nearly 1 out of every 6 children in the US are obese. Not merely overweight, but obese. The consequences of all this excess body fat are serious and long-lasting.
For starters, obese children often become obese adults.
Obesity Fast Track to Colon Cancer
And obesity is one of the leading contributors to colon cancer in the US. In fact, at a recent science research meeting, an obesity expert concluded that there is convincing evidence that obesity increases the risk for colon cancer. It doesn't take a lot of excess weight to increase risk either.
A Little Overweight Goes a Long Way
Harvard researchers found that in men, about 30% of colon cancers are due to having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 22.5 kg/m2. What does a BMI of 22.5 kg/m2 look like?
It's a man who is 5'11" (71 inches) tall and weighs no more than 161 pounds. For women, this translates into being 5'4" (64 inches) tall and weighing no more than 131 pounds. In other words, pretty darn fit and thin!
Let's Get Kids Move, Move, Moving!
But it's not all bad news. Health experts note that plenty of exercise in childhood can ward off obesity in kids. This, in turn, should decrease the chances that these kids grow up into overweight or obese adults. It also will greatly lessen their chances of developing colon cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
No matter what side of the aisle you sit on, it's easy to agree with Michelle Obama's goals for the Let's Move Campaign to reduce childhood obesity. There's nothing controversial about focusing on the important task of getting kids to spend less time in front of the screen, both TV and video game, and more time playing physically.
Running around, biking, playing tag or kickball, playing basketball...any number of activities will fit the bill. Even if you don't feel like getting out and moving more, do it for your kids. The added bonus is that you benefit too!
