Following are links to some online articles -
generally world-wide newspapers and health-related web sites. These
links generally counter the media/diet industry hyped hysteria about
childhood obesity and the demands that "something must be
done." By listing these articles, we are not condoning everything
said, merely presenting them as considerations. If we are missing
items you feel should be listed here, please let us know.
Esteem and the Large Child - More than
anything, be proud of your child for who he is, champion him in
every area - fat kids are just as normal as anyone else. And
remember, it has been known for at least 40 years that over 98% of
diet methods fail."
Working with Fat Children in Schools - Excellent article
that cites studies regarding the health, happiness, and realities
for our children who are larger than "average." It addresses the
hysteria that seems to be growing unchecked. Be sure and look this
site over - there is lots more information available.
Families
Weight Comments Harm Girls For Years
Even
a few remarks have lasting impact on body image
NEW YORK - Girls whose families criticize their weight or eating
habits may develop lasting problems with body image and self-esteem, a
new study suggests.
Researchers found that of 455 college women with poor body image, more
than 80 percent said their parents or siblings had made negative
comments about their bodies during childhood.
40%
of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients Develop Complications -
SUNDAY, July 23 (HealthDay News) -- A growing number of people opt for
surgery as a way to lose weight, but four in 10 develop complications
within six months after surgery, according to a new U.S. government
report.
On
Changing Attitudes Toward Large Patients - This is a must read
article for parents and kids alike - especially teens. Pat Lyons, a
nurse and co-author of Great Shape: The First Fitness Guide for
Large Women, is a very smart woman.
"My
mission is to save lives that are being destroyed by negative
feelings about women’s bodies. I grew up sad and depressed about
being fat and the world judging me only by my body size. I lost many
good years of my life to those feelings, and it wasn’t until my
early 30s that I was finally able to start recovering."
Child
obesity fears 'over-hyped'
- The
Social Issues Research Council, which is funded by food companies as
well as the government, said average child weights have only risen
slightly.
What's
The Matter With (Ar)Kansas? - This is an excellent example of
how the good intentions a celebrity can have a
negative impact on policy. "Last week, former President Clinton
appeared on CNN to discuss what he called a major health crisis involving children and food. Was
Clinton addressing the situation in Niger, where perhaps three million people, including 800,000 children, are in serious danger of
starving to death? No: Clinton was referring to his home state of Arkansas, where according to the former president 38% of the state's
children are either overweight or at risk of becoming so."
