Current studies have shown that people experiencing stress tend to eat more “comfort foods” to help them temporarily deal with the stress. Some comfort foods are known to be high-calorie, high-fat, and extra-sweetened/sugary; and can easily lead to additional weight gain.
Both adults and children have been noted to follow similar stress-related eating patterns.
Are some of today’s kids possibly being stressed into lives of obesity?
Childhood stress factors are usually external in nature and related to school, lack of money and resources, home, friends, etc. Children can also experience internal stress caused by issues like poor self-esteem, concerns about physical stature or physical/athletic competencies, etc.
It is said that 80% of adulthood obesity begins in childhood, and that America has the highest population of obese and overweight individuals; with the number having doubled within the last 20 to 25 years.
Placing focus on childhood obesity has become a priority for some states in the U.S., and revised nutritional guidelines for schools and restaurants has been on the rise over the last several years. Efforts to inform and educate children, parents, and educators about health & wellness strategies to reduce childhood stress and increase awareness and fitness levels of children can now be seen taking place all around the country.
Adults are stepping in to help children become de-stressed so the children are able to live healthier, more physically fit, and better quality 21st Century lives.
Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.
Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org
"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)
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