Although to some it may seem common sense, a new study has determined that excessive and unhealthy snacking plays a big role in childhood obesity, as reported by Health News. The study analyzed data from four separate federal surveys on 31,337 children between the ages of 2 and 18. What was discovered was that nearly a third of the calories that children consume come from snacking, defined by food consumed outside of normal meals. The study reported that, “Childhood snacking trends are moving toward three snacks per day, and more than 27 percent of children’s daily calories are coming from snacks,” they continued by saying, “The largest increases have been in salty snacks and candy. Desserts and sweetened beverages remain the major sources of calories from snacks.”
Although the study was based on averages, it showed that half of American children snack about four times daily, and some even eat constantly amassing around 10 snack sessions a day. The problem doesn’t just lie in the fact that children are consuming more and more food, it is also the fact that the food they are eating is unhealthy.
The study was compared to another one taken in the 1970’s and it showed that in 2009 kids have added about 168 more calories per day, and 2-6 year olds have added 182. Put into perspective, that translates to an added 17.5 lbs a year.
Another related study sought to find out how available unhealthy food were to children. They found that vending machines were available in 62% of public middle schools, 21% of public elementary schools and a whopping 86% of public high schools. While the schools depend on these machines for revenue, it is pointed out by Nicole Larson, the studie’s author, that snacks could still be offered, but the selection could be improved health-wise and not have negative effects on revenue.
An additional study further elaborated on the effects of the unhealthy choices readily available to children. In this study a control group that made no changes to food options had a a 25.9% increase in obesity, compared to a group that had healthy options in place of the unhealthy, which had a 10.3% decrease in obesity.
Recently, there has been a parental push to make more places where kids hang out, like movie theaters, healthier. Many other initiatives to give children health conscious choices have already been launched. A recently founded and popular government organization is Let’s Move, which is determined to make the adults of tomorrow healthier now.
Beyond talking to your child and helping them make healthy choices, contacting a nutritionist can be beneficial for you and your child. Find a nutritionist in your area with PriceDoc!
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