The Gorilla talks a lot about obesity. It is a subject that he feels quite strongly about; especially where children are concerned. Now, folks, we are not talking about obesity, which is caused by certain conditions and diseases, and therefore, cannot be helped; such as thyroid or pituitary issues, which cause substantial weight gain in some. No, the Gorilla is talking about obesity due to over-eating. This kind of obesity can obviously be prevented.
As adults, we know what is too much, but unfortunately we create many of our own eating habits based upon how we are taught as children. Yes, many people are, in fact, taught how to eat by watching their parents’ eating habits as children. So when the Gorilla sees an overweight child, he feels a mixture of compassion and anger. Compassion for what that child will be subjected to in school and in life (teasing, health problems. etc.) and anger that the parents could have prevented it from happening in the first place! And yes, parents, you CAN prevent it, or at least correct it if the child is still overweight. Monitoring food intake, in addition to the types of food being consumed, is the key.
A new British study for the American Heart Association just revealed that salty foods may be just the culprit that is keeping our kids fat! They say it is the “hidden epidemic in the obesity factor.” Okay, so please tell the Gorilla this is not shocking news to you! Salty chips and high sodium food make people fat. They needed a study to conclude this? Actually what the study is suggesting is that it is not a direct result of the salty foods, but rather the thirst it causes afterwards, when kids run to get their high calorie cola to quench their thirst. The two in combination, are a potent mix, and neither one is healthy for our kids. Fast foods are the most obvious, with extremely high levels of sodium per serving, and what do kids order with their fast food meals? Soda, of course. Not only is it high in calories, but it is filled with sugar.
Time and time again, the Gorilla sees kids and parents ordering cheeseburgers and french fries with a coke. Yes, the Gorilla frequents these fast food joints on occasion himself, but except on very rare occasions, he doesn’t order that junk! There are way too many healthy alternatives so parents who let their kids do this on a regular basis (more than once a week) should be ashamed! But, parents, you can do something about it if you start right now. Studies have shown that even a modest reduction of sodium in the diet lowers blood pressure, which increases the risk of later-in-life heart attack and stroke, researchers say.
So, why not order that grilled chicken wrap meal instead of the cheeseburger (sans the fries, of course!) And what about the responsibility of government? Shouldn’t the FDA have to play a role in making changes? After all, it is not actually a hard thing to do. Reducing salt in manufactured foods can be done gradually, without the public even noticing, said Dr. Feng, the lead author of the study, and cardiovascular research fellow at St. George’s. She said a 10%-20% reduction in salt is not even detectable. But what a difference it could make in our diets!
The UK is way ahead of us on this issue folks! They cut sodium in foods way back in 1996, so why is the U.S. so late to the ballgame? Well, better late than never! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is going to start taking proposals on March 28th on how to cut sodium content in foods. In addition, the American Heart Association is urging the government to require strong labeling of high-salt foods because of its connection to high blood pressure. Still, this is no substitute for proper guidance from parents. Doctors and health officials say that parents should read food labels and be aware of the amount of sodium, but kids still need to eat diets rich with fruit and veggies. So, c’mon parents, what are you waiting for? You are your kid’s best example…chances are, if you eat better, they will follow your lead!