HEALTHY LIVING � Childhood obesity is becoming a major health threat in this country. High-calorie diets and lack of exercise are to blame, but now leading experts say we may be missing a key part of the problem. It may not be what your kids are eating, but what is eating your kids.
When moodiness and turbulent teen emotions started eating away at eighth grader Stephanie Cala, she tried to ease the overload the only way she knew how
Cala says, "If I was sad or mad I would definitely like grab like chips or ice cream."
Stephanie's not alone. Research shows stressed-out kids not only overeat, but also consume more unhealthy foods than their less anxious classmates.
Child Psychiatrist Alvin Poussaint says we must recognize there's more to childhood obesity than diet and exercise.
Poussaint says, "I think in many of the, the anti-obesity campaigns now they're not talking about stress and depression and the emotional side of eating." Doctor Poussaint says parents need to watch for underlying issues when their kids pack on the pounds.
Poussaint is helping the children's charity--- Kidspeace--- launch a new website. Teencentral.net will give kids a way to work through the problems that lead to overeating.
The website acts as a support and can direct children to places where they can receive help.
For some, the best way to open up is through a private nutritionist. That's what Stephanie did. She writes positive thoughts in a diary to reinforce a strong self-image. She now knows talking is more important than eating.
Experts agree, in order for any weight loss and management program to be successful, the child must be committed and caretakers should take an active roll.