Posted by: drmolly in puberty, overweight, obesity on
Sep 01, 2010
Puberty is daunting enough when it starts at age 10, but it seems a growing number of girls are developing breast buds (the first sign of puberty) much earlier than that.
A study published in Pediatrics reported that just more than 10 percent of white girls and nearly a quarter of African-American girls will have breast buds when they are 7. What is even more interesting, and worrisome, is that in 1997 a similar study showed only 5 percent of
I know it sounds obvious and for those of you without kids you must think this statement is inane, but a recent study in Pediatrics has shown that parents can successfully limit screen time for kids, young and old alike.
It does seem obvious: Just turn the TV (or computer) off or just never turn it on, but that is much easier said than done. Whether you want your child to be a baby Einstein or you turn on the TV for your child so you can make
Posted by: drmolly in overweight, obesity, bullying on
Sep 01, 2010
Maybe this is obvious but researchers at the University of Michigan found in a recent study that obese children are at much greater risk of being bullied than any other group.
I remember when I was a kid that being teased, taunted or bullied was a rite of passage that adults didn't seem very concerned about unless significant physical or evident psychological harm was occurring. Luckily, we have wised up and bullying in all its forms is
Posted by: drmolly in overweight, obesity on
Aug 31, 2010
Earlier this week I wrote about metformin and its promise in helping overweight teens enrolled in a weight loss program lose more weight and keep it off longer than peers who are in the weight loss program alone. Another strategy that has been shown to be effective in helping tween girls lose more weight than their peers and keep it off comes from a surprising source: a book.
Girls enrolled in a Duke weight loss program were divided into three
Posted by: drmolly in obesity, medication on
Aug 31, 2010
Obese teens are more likely to be obese as adults and as such it makes sense to try our best as parents and doctors to motivate these overweight youngsters to lose the extra pounds. Being overweight is fraught with potential complications ranging from depression and low self esteem to diabetes and infertility.
Motivating any of us to shed extra pounds is challenging, but especially for teens who rarely have the patience to wait for the slow but
Posted by: drmolly in prevention, obesity on
Aug 31, 2010
The past few weeks have been filled with information about kids and obesity, including one study that gives encouragement to families with predictable bedtimes and family dinners.
Pediatrics published a study that showed preschoolers who are normal weight are more likely to live in households where they get adequate, predictable sleep, eat family meals together and limit screen time (TV and computer). These kids are obese at rates of about 14
Posted by: drmolly in starting solid food, picky eater, peanut, overweight, obesity, infant, formula, food, feeding, diet, dairy, allergies on
Jan 17, 2010
I remember when I first offered solid food to each of my three kids. It was exciting! It signaled in many ways that they were growing up. For me, an exclusive breastfeeding mom, it meant my babies had more options than just me for food. My kids are now 13, 11, and 9 and although the need to feed kids hasn't changed of course, some of the guidelines for infant feeding have evolved.
Most babies, whether breast fed or formula fed, are ready to add
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is also known as corn syrup, isoglucose and fructose on package labels and has been undergoing scrutiny for the last several years.
Back in the '80s when the low fat craze started, HFCS began to be added to everything as a relatively easy way to add flavor and moisture to lower-fat products. Seemed like a great idea at the time. Corn is in abundance in the United States and corn syrup is cheap and easy to add
As the holidays approach and we are spending lots of time in our kitchens, don't forget to bring your kids in to help.
Children as young as 2 can help out in the kitchen and by encouraging their involvement you will also encourage them to explore new foods and be more open to trying them. By encouraging a broad palate and cooking in your home, you will naturally teach your kids important lessons about healthy foods and "treats." Some data
Everybody goes through puberty whether they want to or not and most kids weather the changes and adjustments quite well. One of the changes has to do with weight.
In the year or so before puberty kicks in, many kids get a little roun, especially their faces and bellies. This can cause worry for parents and children alike. Most often I encounter this concern as I am pulled aside in the hallway as I am about to enter the exam room to see an 11-
