Woodbury Reports, Inc.
Bonners Ferry, ID

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Solving Teen Obesity

On Parent Choices for Struggling Teens today, guest Dr. Dan Kirschenbaum, the President and Clinical Director of Wellspring weight loss camps located throughout the country and overseas, discussed with Lon Woodbury, the rising worldwide epidemic and disease of teen obesity. For most countries the rate has doubled and tripled and for teens in the United States, the rate of obesity amongst teens has risen to 40%. Dr. Kirschenbaum believes the primary causes of this epidemic include sedentary behaviors- the appeal of computers/TV's/ and other electronics, supersizing and huge packaging of foods, the "cheapness" of foods high in fats and sugars, the lack of understanding (or education of healthy eating habits) and the lack of parental monitoring of foods and activity levels in their children. "Mainly, the lack of movement in general."

Based on a teens or child's BMI (Body Mass Index) determines if a child is overweight or obese. For those teens struggling with obesity the intervention is treated in a different manner and the health problems can be severe. Dr. Kirschenbaum explained "every organ system is affected by obesity, heart problems, cancers, knee and back issues, diabetes and a reduced life expectancy. The obesity is a powerful, biological force that will affect their lives."

There are preventative measures that parents can take: simple things like parking farther away in a parking lot, family outings that include activities, and making activities a daily event (model the value of movement). Purchase a pedometer for each member of the family and set a target goal of 10,000 steps a day; emphasize a low fat diet…eliminate cooking with oil, butters and fat, eat lean meats: such as turkey and chicken, low fat cheeses and milk and really strive for 0%fat! Education is necessary to know the best ways to eat healthy and parents need to learn and be informed.

As far as "fad diets or magic teas or fruit or soy" there are dangers involved with these. "You will lose weight, but it will be water weight." Losing weight is a lifestyle change, the body has to learn to eat and move to have affective weight control. This process takes time- for some it can take up to a year, to adjust to this way of living. It's not easy, but it is doable."

Dr. Kirschenbaum suggests "you find loveable foods that love you back. Resist temptation and stick to your goals…and drop the supersize!"

To listen to the full interview, go to Solving Teen Obesity on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Dr. Dan Kirschenbaum is the President and Clinical Director of Wellspring, the leading provider of treatment services for overweight young people in North America and a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Northwestern University.

Stay Tuned for Upcoming Programs:

July 8:
Ben Robinson: "Helping Adults Overcome Mental Illness"

July 15:
Julia Steiny: "Restorative Justices"

July 22:
Tim Thayne: The Meaning of HOME