Holiday Dinners Shouldn't Be Solo Events

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 09 Nov 2007 - 0:00 PDT


When families eat together, they're more likely to eat healthier food in moderate proportions, says Dr. William Cochran, pediatric gastroenterologist for Geisinger Health System.

Making healthy foods and portion control a family priority is a big step toward avoiding obesity, Cochran says. And, like most chronic diseases, preventing obesity is far better than treating it.

Obese adolescents have an 80% chance of becoming obese as adults. Studies have also shown that when both parents are obese, there's a 60 to 80% chance their children will be obese.

Parents should pay close attention to the body mass index of their children, Cochran says. Even a slight increase in a child's BMI should be considered a warning sign.

Geisinger Health System
100 N. Academy Ave.
Danville, PA
United States
http://www.geisinger.org

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