Middle-Class Child Obesity Shock

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chubbykideatingFrom Your Health Journal…..”A very interesting article from MSN-UK recently called Middle-Class Child Obesity Shock. Recent research has shown that middle-class children are more likely to be obese than those from poor families. Originally, it was always thought that the poorer children may be more obese, as many times, they may have been forced to eat fast food, or food heavily processed – and more affordable than other foods. The research in this article in claiming the middle class to affluent kids may be more prone to obesity, possibly because they can afford many types of food in the house, and possibly eat more. Personally, I am not sure how comfortable I am with any of this research right now. I know that children of all ages, races, and economic background can become obese – as educating ALL children on healthy lifestyle is the key. Too many children (due to obesity) are showing risk factors for heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, weak joints, and low self esteem. Change is needed, and immediately. Please visit the MSN web site (link provided below) to read the complete article. Also, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.”

From the article…..

Middle-class children are more likely to be obese than those from poor families, researchers have found.

Middle-class children are more likely to be obese than those from poor families, researchers have found.

The findings undermine the long-held belief that childhood weight problems are most common among economically deprived communities, scientists said.

By charting youngsters’ obesity levels and where they lived, the team at Leeds Metropolitan University found that those in “middle-affluent” areas of Leeds were more likely to be very overweight than those in very poor or very wealthy postcode areas. The trend was particularly high among girls.

Dr Claire Griffiths, who led the study of 13,333 schoolchildren over three years, said: “Although the prevalence of obesity is higher than desirable across the whole city, it appears that children living in the most deprived and most affluent areas of the city are at the lowest risk, with boys and girls following different patterns.

“These results could help make informed decisions at the local level including the allocation of health promotion resources. This is especially important now in the light of the recently enhanced role for local governments and authorities with an increased focus on locally led action in the UK to tackle childhood obesity.”

Researchers say the findings contradict the conventional “deprivation theory” which suggests childhood weight problems are linked to poverty – a belief aired last month by public health minister Anna Soubry.

Ms Soubry said it was “heartbreaking” that many of the families who were at greatest risk of obesity were among the poorest in the country.

To read the complete article…..Click here