Education is the best defense against obesity

Jun 2 2005

According to a study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, education is the best defense against obesity.

The study found that 8 to 10 year olds who took a nutrition class chose better foods to eat.

But unfortunately, the study also found that junk food still makes up a third of what young people eat.

Doctors say time is running out and parents who allow their kids to eat junk could be condemming them to a lifetime of bad eating and obesity.

U.S. Health Officials say there are now 9 million children 6 to 16 who are overweight, and those children will probably carry their weight into adulthood. Doctors say parents need to act now to prevent problems for their children in later years.

Doctors say you should explain to your child why one food is better than another and then teach them through example. Parents can start by making small changes in their children's diet, for example by giving them non fat milk instead of 2 percent and packing an apple in the child's lunch. They also stress the benefit of lots of exercise.