by Kristin Cantu on March 3, 2010
We’re constantly told that if we eat less and exercise more, the pounds will come sliding off. Not true. According to a recent study, small caloric changes have almost no long-term effect on weight.
While this news is disappointing, Children’s obesity expert – David Ludwig, MD, PhD, tell The New York Times that there is hope, especially for children. Small changes made during childhood lead to a much healthier adult lifestyle.
You can read more of Ludwig has to say on topic of childhood obesity here on Thrive.
by Kristin Cantu on January 21, 2010
This week there has been a lot of coverage on the topic of childhood obesity. It’s not a new subject and one that we’re likely to hear much more on this year.
The Boston Globe reports that for the next 18 months, every public school in Massachusetts will evaluate whether students weigh too much or too little by calculating their body mass index (BMI) scores. [click to continue…]
by Children's Hospital Boston staff on January 17, 2010
by Kristin Cantu on January 14, 2010
New studies indicate that after decades of Americans steadily gaining weight, they may have finally hit a plateau, reports an article in The Boston Globe.
Children’s obesity expert, David Ludwig, MD, PhD is quoted as saying that while it is a relief that these rates are not continuting to rise, it is certainly not cause for celebration. “If we continue those unhealthful habits, we just continue to maintain weights the way they are. It actually takes a marked improvement in lifestyles to start bringing weight down.”
Read a previous blog post where Ludwig discusses obesity rates leveling off for American children.
by Kristin Cantu on January 12, 2010
A new study co-authored by Children’s obesity expert David Ludwig, MD, PhD, says that the majority of obese Americans will not lose a significant amount of weight unless there are serious societal changes concerning food. The article, published in JAMA, takes a look at the science involved in caloric intake versus physical activity and suggests that fundamental changes in America’s food supply and social infrastructure must take place in order to successfully take on the obesity epidemic.
Read more of what Ludwig has to say on trans-fats, taxing soda and junk food advertisements for kids.
by Kristin Cantu on January 10, 2010
by Melissa Jeltsen on January 4, 2010
For those in need of some New Year’s resolution inspiration, check out this op-ed in the Boston Herald by David Ludwig, MD, PhD, about how to change your eating habits for the better. Money quote:
So this year, resolve not to diet. Instead:
1. Eat three balanced meals a day. Have a healthy snack when hungry. Stop eating when full.
2. Eat only in designated eating areas and not in front of a screen of any type.
3. Eat foods that look like they come from nature, not a factory, with emphasis on vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
4. Drink unsweetened or minimally sweetened beverages, including water, effervescent mineral water, and tea or coffee with no more than one or two teaspoons of sugar.
5. If so inclined, have dessert every night, but keep it light (e.g., fruit, a few nuts or a small piece of something you really enjoy). Limit high calorie treats to once a week.
6. Do something physically active every day. Walk rather than drive and take the stairs rather than the elevator.
7. Follow items 1 through 6 for the rest of your life.
by David Ludwig, MD, PhD on December 21, 2009
Children’s diet quality has declined to shocking levels, directly fueling the obesity epidemic. There are, of course, many forces affecting the eating habits of children today, such as the widespread availability of junk food, an under-funded school lunch program, and busy, stressed families. However, TV advertising to children has undoubtedly played a major role. Saturday morning children’s shows have seemingly become little more than a continuous food commercial, with beloved, iconic cartoon figures like SpongeBob peddling junk foods during programming as well as ads.
In response to the threat of governmental regulation and legal action, major food companies like Kellogg, General Mills, ConAgra and PepsiCo banded together in 2006 to create a voluntary advertising code of conduct. Called the “Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative,” this policy aimed to “change the landscape of child-directed advertising” by encouraging “Better-for-You” foods. [click to continue…]
