Minority Kids at Risk for Obesity Even Before Birth, Study Says

I think it's interesting that they talk about individual habits and not how kids are marketed to and how there is a whole media blitz designed to influence their choices. Another thing that I found interesting is that the study didn't take into account food production and how genetically modified foods like corn which is in almost everything if not feed to animals and fish that aren't able to digest it causing sickness in animals (from cows to farmed fish like salmon) is changing our genetic make up and actually causing organ failure in humans.

A couple of great resources on this are this documentary Consuming Kids on how kids are being psychologically manipulated at an early age to be consumers and superficial. Also, a great book called omnivore's dilemma that tackles the industrial food production that is making us sick. Not to mention the recent study that weed killer or herbicide atrazine that seeps into most drinking water (this is found in all drinking water because of the non-organic fertilizers we use is causing frogs to change sex and in humans males causing prostate cancer.

Because there are so many things that are hidden in ingredients there have been nutritionist who argue that people should avoid the following ingredients (see below andread you labels) and the reasons why. Again the article you sent makes it an individualized/cultural behaviorial issue, which is important, couple it with the fact that most food that are affordable and don't go bad soon have at least one of the following ingredients that these change body and mental composition overtime. So, in essence the study is lacking the realities of commercial food industirialization and genetic manipulation and the marketing/socio-psychological mind control of captalist marketing that targets each of us and this current generations is seeing the full affects (diet pills, protein shakes, even energy drnks that are causing heart attacks in teenagers) from infancy to old age. Below is a listing of the top three ingredients to avoid in food whenever possible knowing that many times these are in everything but if they are in the first 3 ingredients listed then definitely don't eat the the product if you can help it.

from www.surfnetparents.com


The basic problem with trans fats should be fairly obvious. Although all fat can lead to serious health problems, trans fats may lead to quick heart disease and other serious health complications. However, you can't just assume that everything is fine because your meal does not contain stated trans fats. Other types of fats, such as saturated fats, can be equally harmful. Naturally the other thing you need to watch for with any food that you or a loved one consumes is the total number of calories. Eating lots of foods that do not have trans or saturated fats but which are high in calories can be just as bad and have the same affects on health. [but remember some fats are good and helpo nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintaining cell membrane integrity etc like Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Nuts including peanuts, walnuts, almonds and pistachios, avocado, canola and olive oil are high in MUFAs. MUFAs have also been found to help in weight loss, particularly body fat. Also, good are Polyunsaturated fats also lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Seafood like salmon and fish oil, as well as corn, soy, safflower and sunflower oils are high in polyunsaturated fats. Omega 3 fatty acids belong to this group.]


High fructose corn syrup is not all that different than any other form of concentrated sugar. These days kids eat far too much sugar, which affects their moods and their ability to concentrate on their school work. However, the sugar problem is not just an issue for kids, it is also very important for adults who tend to eat far too much sugar. Think about the sheer amount of sugar you consume daily. If you are not factoring in high-fructose corn syrup then you are not including most of your sugar.



Few of us are aware that food dyes such as Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5 and Red 40, which can be found in many of our common foods, are said to cause serious behavioral issues in children; there is no reason to assume that they might not do so in adults as well. The problems I am referring to are conditions such as hyperactivity.

Reply

Sorry, but if you look at the factors in the study, you notice:

(a) These are kids who are too young to make "consumer" decisions. They are babies. You can't blame marketing to kids for this one.

(b) Most of the factors they listed cannot be blamed on income. Smoking while pregnant, putting TV in kids' rooms, giving them solid food before 4 months, etc. - these cost money! It would be cheaper not to do these things.

(c) Even controlling for income, the trends are the same.

My concern is that they are blaming nurture 100% and not considering the possible effects of nature. I have two daughters who are of different Hispanic origins, and one of them gains weight very easily. She doesn't have any of those "cultural" risk factors. I am very careful about both her diet and her exercise, yet she has always been "overweight." I really think it's genetic for her, and maybe it's genetic for an above-average percentage of blacks and/or Hispanics. The fact that the same so-called "cultural" factors are seen in white populations without the same effect suggests that they need to check out the role of nature vs. nurture.

Reply