Super Size Me – Child Obesity Epidemic

ByDorothy M. Neddermeyer Ph.D.

In the inaugural issue of a health magazine, which is dedicated to consumers with education supporting safe and healthy living; one article title grabbed my attention: Obesity Epidemic Confronting Our Youth.

While I agree child obesity is epidemic, the article title implies that obesity is a sinister monster lurking in the grocery store or the home environment diabolically grabbing innocent children; wrestling them to the ground and forcing junk food down their throats. Obesity is a family lifestyle – nothing more; nothing less. Children eat what their parents buy.

Child Obesity Epidemic

ByDorothy M. Neddermeyer Ph.D.

Nearly one in three children is overweight or obese. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimated that nearly 17% of children age 2 – 19 years are obese. According to the Childhood Obesity Foundation in Canada, over 25% of the children are considered overweight or obese. Alarmingly, there is no great concern. No elected official, medical professional or childcare organization has sounded the alarm. The United States has more obesity than any other country.

Obesity – The Cause

ByDorothy M. Neddermeyer Ph.D.

Humans are born with the most important effective food management tool—a hypothalamus, which helps to regulate the amount of food required for maintaining optimum health and weight. The main function of the hypothalamus is homeostasis, or maintaining the body’s status quo. Factors such as blood pressure, body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, and body weight are held to a precise value called the set-point. Although this set-point can migrate over time, from day to day it is remarkably fixed.

January 4, 2011 – World Hypnotism Day – Hypnosis Works – Smoke Cessation, Weight Loss, Habit Control – Guaranteed

ByDorothy M. Neddermeyer Ph.D.

January 4 – U.S. – Federal Government Gives 100% Tax Credit for Smoke Cessation and Weight Loss. Whether you want to lose weight, quit smoking or improve your finances, the federal government offers lots of help with New Year’s resolutions through different tax credits.