Young children who are regularly looked after by their grandparents have an increased risk of being overweight.
A survey of 12,000 three year old children suggested the risk was 34% higher if grandparents cared for them full time.
Children who went to nursery or had a child attendant had no increased risk of weight problems, the International Journal of Obesity reported.
Nearly a quarter of preschool children in the United Kingdom are overweight or obese.
The researchers said very little research had been done on the influence of childcare on weight.
Yet childcare may have a great effect on weight through diet and physical activity.
The study used data from the Millennium Cohort Study, which looked at the health of children aged between nine months and three years old, who had been born in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2001.
The results showed that those looked after by grandparents part time had a 15% higher risk of being overweight for their age compared with those entirely looked after by their parents.
Those who were cared for by their grandparents full time had a 34% increased risk of being overweight, the University College London team found.
Further analysis taking into account the child's social and economic background, found the increased risk was only evident in children from the most advantaged groups whose mothers had a managerial or professional job, had a degree, or lived with their partner.
There was also an increased risk of being overweight associated with other loose care provided by relatives or friends but only if that was full time.
The researchers said it was well recognized that parent’s appreciate care provided by grandparents and consider it to be the best alternative to full time parent care.
They said the issue was about providing the grandparents with better information and support around diet and exercise.
Study leader Professor Catherine Law said this study, which was backed by other work done in the US, did not look at why grandparent care was associated with being overweight but that indulgence of children and lack of physical exercise were two possible explanations.
One of the ways forward would be to lecture to small groups of grandparents to see the challenges they face.
Some of the things that might help would be prepare people in general about healthy lifestyles but also things like avoiding food as a pay back and suggestions for building activities into daily life.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "We know that obesity is a very complex issue with a wide range of factors involved.
"The latest figures show that child obesity levels are the lowest reported since 2001. However, there's no question that levels of obesity in this country, as in the rest of the developed world, are far too high.
"That's why we're investing time, energy and money into preventing people from becoming obese in the first place."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Simple Tips To Loose Weight
It may be helpful for you to know that there are some simple steps you can take to make any weight loss plan more effective. We will share seven tips that have been proven successful by millions of weight loss participants in any weight loss plan of their choice.
Simple Tip #1: Realistic Goals
The fastest way to lose motivation is to set unrealistic weight loss goals for yourself before you even start your weight loss plan, ask yourself some simple questions-“What do you want to achieve from this weight loss plan?” and “How much weight do you want to lose in a day, a week or a month”. Remember that each small goal you achieve will propel you closer to your final destination. But if you set unrealistic goals, you will only end up in frustration and disappointment when they are not achieved, even when you are making significant progress in your weight loss goals.
Simple Tip # 2: Preparation
Now is the time to start a new lifestyle and start getting rid of your junk food, your colas in the refrigerator, those puddings and those chocolates you stash in your drawer! Make a new list of the food you need and start stocking on them in large quantities. Include vegetables, fruits, healthy snacks, mineral waters and vitamins and minerals supplements you may need.
Simple # 3: Reward System
Give yourself a pat on the back and create a reward system for your weight loss plan. For instance, you may want to get yourself a new shoe, a new CD or even a new handbag if you reach a certain point in your weight loss efforts.
Weight Loss # 4: Healthy Breakfast
This is the most important meal that you should never miss. Skipping breakfast means that you are telling your brain to think that you hungry starved and deprived, this will only cause you to feel unenergetic and when the pressure is too much, you may decide to embark on an eating binge. This is sheer suicide to your weight loss plan!
Weight Loss # 5: Exercise
For long lasting effects and to boost the rate of your weight loss, this is one important activity you must infuse into your routine. No weight loss plan can be successful without a good exercise plan. Choose a good exercise plan that lets you burn fat and gives a good cardiovascular exercise at the same time.
Weight Loss # 6: Sleep
Always get enough sleep during your weight loss plan. A normal adult would need an approximately Seven-8 hours of sleep a day. This help to keep your bodily system working in perfect order, which is crucial to the success of your weight loss plan.
Weight Loss Tip # 7: Relaxation
This is important in any weight loss plan and you should make relaxation a crucial apart of your schedule. Meditation, relaxation and affirmations can help boost your confidence and make the process more enjoyable.
By following these seven simple tips, you can start seeing results in your efforts to lose weight. Be persistent and consistent making them part of your lifestyle and success in your weight loss plan is assured.
Become the new you, a happy, beautiful and healthy woman.
Simple Tip #1: Realistic Goals
The fastest way to lose motivation is to set unrealistic weight loss goals for yourself before you even start your weight loss plan, ask yourself some simple questions-“What do you want to achieve from this weight loss plan?” and “How much weight do you want to lose in a day, a week or a month”. Remember that each small goal you achieve will propel you closer to your final destination. But if you set unrealistic goals, you will only end up in frustration and disappointment when they are not achieved, even when you are making significant progress in your weight loss goals.
Simple Tip # 2: Preparation
Now is the time to start a new lifestyle and start getting rid of your junk food, your colas in the refrigerator, those puddings and those chocolates you stash in your drawer! Make a new list of the food you need and start stocking on them in large quantities. Include vegetables, fruits, healthy snacks, mineral waters and vitamins and minerals supplements you may need.
Simple # 3: Reward System
Give yourself a pat on the back and create a reward system for your weight loss plan. For instance, you may want to get yourself a new shoe, a new CD or even a new handbag if you reach a certain point in your weight loss efforts.
Weight Loss # 4: Healthy Breakfast
This is the most important meal that you should never miss. Skipping breakfast means that you are telling your brain to think that you hungry starved and deprived, this will only cause you to feel unenergetic and when the pressure is too much, you may decide to embark on an eating binge. This is sheer suicide to your weight loss plan!
Weight Loss # 5: Exercise
For long lasting effects and to boost the rate of your weight loss, this is one important activity you must infuse into your routine. No weight loss plan can be successful without a good exercise plan. Choose a good exercise plan that lets you burn fat and gives a good cardiovascular exercise at the same time.
Weight Loss # 6: Sleep
Always get enough sleep during your weight loss plan. A normal adult would need an approximately Seven-8 hours of sleep a day. This help to keep your bodily system working in perfect order, which is crucial to the success of your weight loss plan.
Weight Loss Tip # 7: Relaxation
This is important in any weight loss plan and you should make relaxation a crucial apart of your schedule. Meditation, relaxation and affirmations can help boost your confidence and make the process more enjoyable.
By following these seven simple tips, you can start seeing results in your efforts to lose weight. Be persistent and consistent making them part of your lifestyle and success in your weight loss plan is assured.
Become the new you, a happy, beautiful and healthy woman.
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