Teens and Kids
Weight and diet issues affecting teenagers and pre-teens. (147 posts)
Helping Kids Have a Healthy Attitude to Body Shape
I was saddened to read how girls as young as five start thinking of fat as undesirable and skinny as good (in the Times newspaper as part of response to a question sent in by a mother who was anxious that her three year old was developing a poor body image.)
» moreToddler Food: A Guide to a Healthy Preschool Diet
Just when we thought we were finally doing something nutritionally sensible... It seems that nurseries are taking the campaigns of eating more fruits and vegetables too far - neglecting other dietary needs that may lead to nutritional deficiencies that can impact development.
» moreTeenage Weight Loss: Book Giveaway
Teenage weight management is a difficult area. There is considerable evidence showing that many teenagers choose dangerous behaviors or embark on restrictive diet regimes.
Many of these methods backfire - sometimes resulting in weight gain - or even lead the young person into the realm of an eating disorder.
There are, however, some positive stories of teens who have managed their weight and grown their self-esteem in the process.
Weight Loss Confidential by Anne Fletcher is a book that gathers together these stories.
UPDATE: Thanks everyone. Congrats to Grace and Bunny. Comments now closed.
» moreOverweight Kids Have Better Teeth
The NY Times Wellness Blog points to an intriguing study. It seems that overweight kids have better teeth than their normal weight peers.
Confounding?
» moreEating Breakfast Keeps Teens Lean
Eating a good breakfast is one of those generation-tested mantras that have become lost on many these days. Teens are of particular concern as more of them seem to opt for an extra 20 minutes of sleep, a shower or some Facebook time instead of a good breakfast.
Take that iPod out of your ears and listen up kids: According to a recent study of 2000 teens, those who skipped breakfast weighed an average of 5 lbs more than those who ate breakfast.
Here are some other findings from the study;
» moreI Was An Unfit Kid Too: Activities for Teens Who Hate Exercise
"The trick is not so much to keep battering kids with the same 'exercise is good' mantra, but to persuade the less physically able and those with low self-esteem that they won't make idiots of themselves in front of their peers."
» moreIs Cutting Salt the Key to Curbing Childhood Obesity?
A British study points to excess sodium as being a "hidden factor in the obesity epidemic" (quote: Graham MacGregor, a co-author of the study). The theory being that salty foods make kids thirsty, after which they reach for a high-sugar, high calorie drinks. The cycle continues, resulting in inevitable weight gain.
» moreAre Video Games the New Frontiers of Weight Loss?

Wii-Fit is looking to get YOU fit! Nintendo's latest offering will combine a motion-sensing controller with an interactive balance board to create workouts. Available since December 1st in Japan, Wii fit is set for a North American launch in mid-May. Here's the concept:
» more
- Heather on Helping Kids Have a Healthy Attitude to Body Shape:
And in the end, despite some of the comments, this post is about our c...
- Sam on How To: Achieve Lasting Weight Loss:
I found a great blog article about keeping the weight from coming back...
- Mike H. on Nutritionism: What Is It and Why Is It Ruining Our Diet?:
Hi Quito,
I concur with your sentiments regarding the epiphany when r...
- claire on McDonald's Menu to Go on Diet in 2005:
umm guess what? salads (the one with chicken and ranch dressing?) - th...
- Mike H. on Why on Earth Should You Read Another Weight Loss Book?:
"There are plenty of books that will tell you what to eat and how much...
More comments...