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Monitoring BMI In Children Today Could
Lead To Better Health
by: Dave Saunders
In a new study published by the American Heart Association,
it is suggested that infants who gain weight rapidly during
their first week may be more likely to have weight problems
later in life. This study has led to a recommendation
to monitor Body Mass Index (BMI) readings in children
in an effort to fight obesity through heightened awareness.
According to the American Heart Association, about 15%
of children are overweight and obese. This measure is
up from 5% in the 1980s. Children measuring in the top
5th percentile of BMI should be considered overweight,
however this measure is not necessarily an automatic recommendation
for severe diet changes, which may be especially harmful
for children. As a child develops further, these measures
can change without changes to diet.
Children falling between 80% and 95% are considered "at-risk"
and should be monitored further.
As obesity rates continue to rise in the US, studies like
these continue to gain in importance. As the child develops,
potential health risks may be prevented through early
awareness and lifestyle management. How this may impact
cardiovascular disease and Type II Diabetes rates will
likely require many years to measure.
Of course, all of these recommendations should be factored
in with education and support for improved lifestyle and
diet. Given the pressures of youth, it is important to
not stigmatize a child and foster eating problems and
poor self-image where the body mass problems may have
been associated more simply with poor, and uneducated,
dietary choices and insufficient physical activity.
About The Author
Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness
coach, member of the American International Association
of Nutritional Education (AIANE) and author. He is also
the host of a weekly, nation-wide telephone lecture on
health and nutrition.
For additional information, please visit www.glycoboy.com
or www.glycowellness.com or email Dave at dave@glycoboy.com.
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