DEFEATING THE CHILD OBESITY EPIDEMIC

Pediatrician Ashworth recognizes that more and more kids are obese (Ashworth is careful to distinguish "obese" from "overweight"; the former is "having excess body fat in relation to lean body mass"), which is a serious problem: obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and pulmonary and reproductive disorders. Ashworth translates her medical know-how into easily digestible, bite-sized bits of wisdom. She insists that parents can't just transform their kids' eating habits?they have to transform family eating habits. She encourages parents to throw out the junk food that's accumulated in their kitchen, schedule a family meeting to discuss food and eating and sit down with the whole family for at least one meal a day. Involve your kids in meal planning and grocery shopping?kids will enjoy it and the grocery aisles provide endless opportunities for "teachable moments." Not sure how to start preparing healthier meals? Ashworth suggests baking instead of frying, making tasty fruit smoothies, and adding blueberries to muffins and coffeecake. The bottom line, says Ashworth, is that there is no "magic pill" that will slenderize your child overnight. You are the magic pill. The eating habits you model and the expectations you set for your family are the best means of helping your children stay fit, trim, and active