Monitoring BMI In Children Today Could Lead To Better Health

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.

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 http://www.glycoboy.com or http://www.glycowellness.com or email Dave at dave@glycoboy.com

---

Whats Missing Could Be Making You Sick

Here's something you probably don't know. The fruit and vegetables... Read More

How My Health Was Restored Through Glyconutrition

My name is Mildred Shears. I'm retired and I live... Read More

Food Additives: Safety versus Health Maintenance / Prevention

The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More

Just The Tea FAQs: Health Benefits (Part III)

The wonders of modern science continue to amaze us with... Read More

Whey Protein Importance

Studies on whey demonstrate it's an even better protein supplement... Read More

Beauty Foods That Will Keep You Young and Healthy

You've heard that old saying: True beauty comes from within.... Read More

An Apple a Day, Does Keep the Doctor Away

Increasing the fiber in your diet has been shown to:... Read More

Fish Oil

The research in support of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (such... Read More

Just What Is A Carbohydrate Anyway?

During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More

Learn About Food Nutrition Facts

Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More

Hidden Poison

Did you know that there might be poison in many... Read More

Meal Planning: Your Ticket to Freedom

It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More

Minerals, Minerals, Minerals

You are a mineral bodyEvery part of you is made... Read More

Eat and Lose Weight - Its All in those MCTs

Can You Lose Weight Through Eating?You get fat when you... Read More

Factors that Affect the Nutritional Requirements of an Individual.

The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More

Calcium: the Miracle Mineral

We've heard it not only once or twice or even... Read More

Foods to Fight Disease

When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More

Relieve PMS with the Food Diet Changes

Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time... Read More

What?s Causing Your Energy Drain?

This is such a busy time of year, isn't it?... Read More

Omega 3s: Using Our Heads to Nourish Our Brains

We sometimes hear about ways that we can take care... Read More

Brain Foods Make You Think Differently for Back-to-school

Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn... Read More

Beware of Eating Too Much Protein

The typical American diet already provides plenty of protein and... Read More

Our Livers Need for Water

Although many realize that the liver has its own cleansing... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Essential Fatty Acids are oils, omega-3 and omega-6, that you... Read More

Eating to Health? Think Again!

So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More

Food We Take Determines Our Character

When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More

Improve Your Health With Fiber!

Your fiber intake is a critical factor in weight loss... Read More

Olive Oil -Not Just for Popeye

Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More

Guidelines to a Healthy Diet

The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a variety... Read More

You Dont Have to be Wealthy to Eat Well: The Truth about Your Grocery Budget

Many people complain that organic foods are more costly than... Read More

MSG: If Its Safe, Why Do They Disguise It On Labels?

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, was thought of as... Read More

What is A Balanced Diet For Losing Weight and Good Health?

The total calories that you should be consuming depend on... Read More

Five Steps to a Healthier Heart

Step 1: Eat five to ten servings per day of... Read More