Any
adult who has ever lost weight knows it takes vigilance and hard work
to keep off the extra pounds. Researchers have found that fat kids, not
surprisingly, have the same challenge with maintaining.
As with everyone else, obese kids who do manage to lose weight are at great risk of putting it all back on -- and more. But
one approach is showing promise as a strategy for changing
overweight and obese kids’ lifestyles for good: new friends.
In a small study,
kids who weighed at least 65 percent above their normal-range were
given exercise and nutrition counseling and assisted in losing weight.
Most did. After the five-months of dieting, a third of the kids were
sent out into the big high-calorie world to fend for themselves, and
another third continued receiving counseling. Both of these groups
eventually put the weight back on.
The other third of the kids
had significantly better success at keeping off the pounds. What's the secret?
These kids were encouraged to form new friendships, especially with
other children who were physically active. They took up sports and
joined teams and were better able to keep off the pounds.
So you
know how peer pressure can get tempt your kids to try drugs or Vacation
Bible School? I guess it can also get your kids to go out for team
sports or take up surfing. Time to weed out the heavy-eating lazy bunch from
playgroup and get me a camping chair for the soccer field sidelines.
