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Thursday, March 05, 2009

Parents Play a Big Role in Alarming Trend of Teen Obesity

PARENTS PLAY BIG ROLE IN ALARMING TREND OF TEEN OBESITY

There may be a reason teenagers order more hamburgers and fries than fruits and vegetables, because that’s what’s on their parent’s plate.

New research by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that teens are more likely to mirror what their parents eat, whether the food is healthy or not.

“Eating right and taking care of yourself starts at home. Children learn from their parents and those around them. We know that teens are more likely to be healthy if they are in an environment that promotes better food choices and exercise,” says Dr. James Lau, Bariatric Surgeon at UMC and Chief of the Division of Bariatric Surgery at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

The research shows that teens whose parents drink soda are nearly 40 percent more likely to drink it themselves than teens who parents do not consume soda. 45 percent of teens whose parents do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables everyday eat fast food at least once a day. Likewise, teens whose parents are eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables everyday are 16 percent more likely to do the same.

“Keeping the cupboard full of better choices like pretzels instead of chips, granola bars instead of candy bars, giving teens lots of healthy options will start them on a great path towards a healthy lifestyle,” says UMC Dietician Joanna Gorman.

"Parents and the entire community need to work together to set a good example for teens, which starts with education and awareness,” says Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly.

"The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says upwards of 33 percent of adolescents are obese.

For more information on healthy eating choices or to set up an interview, please contact Danita Cohen, Public Relations Coordinator, by calling 702-383-3987 or emailing danita.cohen@umcsn.com.

Contact Information:
Danita Cohen
(702) 383-2090
Danita.Cohen@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102