Childhood Obesity in Houston Texas - Efforts of Houston Teacher Point Out That Houston Kids Need Help Losing Weight

/Home/Weight Loss Support & Community- Camps/Weight Loss Camps/Weight Loss Camps - United States/Weight Loss Camps - Texas

Childhood Obesity in Houston Texas - Efforts of Houston Teacher Point Out That Houston Kids Need Help Losing Weight
Houston, we have a problem.

The latest data on obesity among children and teens in Houston is dismal.

The problem is so bad that one Houston teacher actually took matters into her own hands.

Health teacher Cathy Roach at McArthur School in Houston set up a contest based on the popular television show, “The Biggest Loser.” The idea was simple: those students who lost the most weight got cash prizes. During fall semester this year, 215 of Mrs. Roach’s students lost 852 pounds.

Mrs. Roach, like so many other experts in the health field, knows that overweight children need help and need it now.

According to a study by the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston, children here are among the fattest in the nation, and the problem is getting worse every year. During the two-year study funded by the Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers measured over 6,000 students from 30 school districts and 132 schools throughout Texas and discovered that about one-third are either obese, overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.

Sonya Kaster, a community nutrition and fitness director with Houston-based Oliver Foundation who studies obesity, said, "We have a few kindergartners that are topping 200 pounds. That's drastic. That is the point where you say, 'I will do anything that will work.' "

Better nutritional choices in Houston school cafeterias and the efforts of concerned adults like Mrs. Roach are a great first step in helping Houston’s children become leaner. However, what goes on at home is just as important if Houston’s children are to achieve and maintain healthy bodies. This is the reason why experts often spend the most money on community education and outreach when they design programs to help overweight children. They know that parents are in the best position to help their children form healthy eating habits and get enough exercise.

Parents must first understand that their overweight child really does have a problem. Researchers have found out that many parents do not think of their children as overweight or obese but merely “plump.” Some of this is cultural: children in certain ethnic groups are considered normal and healthy even if they are actually medically overweight. If parents themselves are overweight, they tend to see their overweight children as thinner than they actually are. However, school-aged children of normal weight usually appear thin and lanky, sometimes looking coltish or “all arms and legs.” The baby fat look is not appropriate past pre-school years.

Is my child overweight? Today doctors do not look at a child’s weight, but rather body mass index or BMI. This index indicates the amount of fat on the child’s body. You can calculate your child’s BMI by using factors like height, weight, gender and birth date. To find out your child’s BMI, use this calculator from the United States Department of Health and Public Services: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx

Parents must realize that their overweight child is at serious risk for big health problems. Many parents believe their child will outgrow being overweight. The truth is the child has a major health problem that needs to be fixed now.

Dr. Robert Ferry, a professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas, found that children as young as four years are developing skin discolorations and dangerous blood sugar levels formerly found only in adult diabetics. These sugar levels can permanently damage vital organs like the eyes and liver.

Dr. Henry McGill of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research in San Antonio explained that doctors used to believe that heart disease developed only in later life. His new research proves that teenagers can develop dangerous cholesterol levels that put them at risk for heart attacks in early adulthood.

Besides diabetes and heart disease, overweight children can develop joint problems such as “bad knees,” gallstones, sleep disorders, and abnormal hormonal levels. Overweight children are more likely to be asthmatic and to have cancer in later life. Dr. McGill and others believe that if Houston’s children and teens continue on the path of overweight, the problem will put tremendous strain on community health services.

Finally, overweight children suffer psychologically too. They are more likely to be depressed and bullied, and to feel alone and isolated. They are less likely to participate in sports and other group activities.

Parents are the best people to help their children become healthy and fit. Parents can teach their children which foods are healthy and which foods are “junk.” They can help children take smaller portions and snack less often. They can encourage them to be more active physically.

Professionals are now available to help children lose weight, but parents have to take part in the process every step of the way. Nutritionists, physicians, gym programs and camps cannot help a child in the long run without the cooperation of a child’s entire family.

Children should not go on diets that eliminate entire food groups or rely on products like liquid protein or meal replacement drinks. The emphasis should be on teaching children to choose from a variety of healthy foods. In addition, avoid old-style fat camps that do not involve parents. Without parental participation, the child may lose weight, but gain it back once he or she returns home. Many old-style fat camps use methods that make a child feel punished or deprived. The newer weight loss camps that use scientifically based nutritional, educational and therapeutic methods along with parental involvement help children create good eating and exercise habits that will last a lifetime.
Blog for Parents of Overweight Kids
Articles for Parents of Overweight Children
Treatments for Childhood Obesity
The Nine Truths About Weight Loss
The Obesity Epidemic: The Experts Weight In
Do's and Don'ts for Parents of Overweight Children
Knowing When to Intervene in the Life of an Overweight Child
Overweight Kids Can Overcome Obstacles to Exercise
'Mom and Dad, I...' - Talking to Your Parents About the Uncomfortable Stuff
Low Carb Diets
Dangers of Over-the-Counter Diet Pills
Prescription Diet Pills and Children
Book Review: Weight Loss Confidential
Getting Past Excuses
Self-Esteem in Overweight Children
Is That Just Baby Fat?
Does Your Child Want to Lose Weight?
How to Help Your Child Eat Less Using "Stoppers"
Easy Steps to Get More Active
The Causes of Hunger
Schools & Obesity
Nutritional Tips: The Devil Is in the Details


Looking for a weight loss camp or residential program for your overweight teen?
Call 866.364.0808
Recent Articles, News & Resources
TEXAS WEIGHT LOSS CAMPS
This summer, the nation's most effective weight loss camps will open a new camp in Texas Hill Country. The first camp in the Southwest helps kids ages 12-17 learn how to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Even Austin's Youngest Children Are Too Fat. The obesity crisis is affecting even toddlers in Austin Texas. Learn more >>