Researchers Believe "Constant Eating" May Cause the Obesity Epidemic
 

As a child, were you ever told the following: "don’t eat between meals, or you’ll ruin your appetite"? Well, this old chestnut may hold some truth for adults’ overall health, and especially growing weight levels. Recently, scientists have found that the nation’s non-stop snacking may be one of the key factors in the deadly childhood obesity epidemic. And if healthcare professionals have their way, your sweet tooth may soon affect your bank account!

Steady Snacking Ranks as a Major Cause

These findings, which were published in the journal Health Affairs, show that U.S. children eat an average of three snacks a day in addition to three regular meals. Known as "constant eating," this steady snacking may showcase why our nation’s childhood obesity levels have increased by more than 16%. The researchers, led by Carmen Piernas and Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina, focused on 31,337 children between the ages of 2 and18.

The researchers found that more than 27% of calories that American kids take in are consumed as snacks (specifically, food eaten outside regular meals). In addition, it was shown that the largest increases were from those of salty snacks and candy, including desserts and sweetened beverages. The researchers also noted that between 1977 and 2006, children increased their caloric intake by 113 calories per day.

The Financial Toll of Obesity Continually Growing

The sky-rocketing obesity levels, whether for adults or children, are taking a huge financial toll on the U.S. healthcare system. Many are calling for financial incentives to combat these mounting health threats. Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has written a commentary discussing various financial issues. Among these are: taxing sugary drinks and junk food, zoning restrictions on fast-food outlets around schools, and banning advertising that targets unhealthy food for children. "Government at national, state, and local levels, spearheaded by public health agencies, must take action," Frieden stated.

A second study conducted at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland involved the data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. This study showed that for children between 10 and 17 years old, obesity rates increased from 14.8% in 2003 to 16.4% in 2007. The study also found that overweight children levels remained at about 15%. "While combined overweight and obesity rates appear to be leveling off, our findings suggest a possible increase in the severity of the national childhood obesity epidemic," said researcher Christina Bethell.

The U.S. Government Taking Action

These findings, while depressing, may help First Lady Michelle Obama in her efforts to educate the nation about the childhood obesity health threat. Speaking at the School Nutrition Association conference in Washington, Obama stressed that many are responsible for childhood obesity, including parents, educators and policymakers. "Our kids didn't do this to themselves," she stated. "From fast food, to vending machines packed with chips and candy, to a la carte lines, we tempt our kids with all kinds of unhealthy choices every day."

In addition, research suggests that obese children and teenagers are more likely to remain obese as adults, while also developing related conditions at younger ages. The study’s findings also showed that overweight or obese children were 32% more likely to have to repeat a grade in school, while 59% were more likely than normal weight kids to miss more than two weeks of school.