Television a link to Childhood Obesity

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As we all know living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to unhealthy habits and the worst case obesity. The rates of childhood obesity are on the rise. A new study is confirming again that increased television time and video game time are causing poor eating habits and no time for exercise. Most reports show that parents do no believe that their children are getting a large amount of TV time but the half hour here and there do add up! The study by Falbe, showed that there was an increase in the adiposity or fat tissue in young girls especially. There are many correlations to why this happens but the study found that triggers such as commercials urging the watcher to consume foods, the longer TV time the less activity and the images that are presented to the younger generation. It is very possible for RD's to take advantage of this study and expand on it and educate!

I would like to expand a little past the article to what we can do!

  • Educate parents on what a good amount of TV time is
  • Quick and easy family exercises or activities to keep the whole family moving
  • Give parents suggestions on healthy grab and go snacks to prevent junk food consumption
  • Help parents understand the dangers of obesity and how they can help there kids
  • Find ways to make the TV off limits certain times of the day or night 
  • Educate parents on how to change the idea of TV not as a way to relax but as a special family time= decreased time in front of TV
  • Make sure to educate on the importance on not eating in front of TV
I hope this is something all of us can use in the future when counseling anyone on healthy eating habits not just parents of children!
Please feel free to add more to the list!
LN

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