The Spread of Diabetes and Obesity

Diabetes is on the rise, even among adolescents. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics and outlined in the New York Times, "Two-thirds of American adolescents ages 12 to 19 are of normal weight, 16 percent are overweight, and another 18 percent are obese" (to read the full NYT article, go here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/diabetes-on-the-rise-among-teenagers/?ref=health). That means 1 out of 3 American adolescents is now overweight or obese. Also, according to this specific study, nearly 1 in 4 adolescents now has Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

These astounding statistics are difficult to tackle because we know there are a number of different factors that are likely to be the cause of rising rates of diabetes and obesity among young people. A sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and the increasing use of technology (leading to inactivity) are thought to be the main culprits in this epidemic. As the article explains, the increase in diabetes could also be due to higher numbers of minority adolescents, who are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. For instance, Mexican-Americans are two to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans of the same weight (http://www.public.asu.edu/~squiroga/azhar.HTM).

Still, regardless of the reasons for these increases, the fact that rates of diabetes and obesity are rising so dramatically in this age group is a scary finding that ought not to be dismissed. School cafeterias need to do a better job with the kinds of meals they serve to young people. We need to push for healthier alternatives that include more fresh fruit and vegetables, the consumption of water rather sugary drinks, and a reduction in the amount of frozen and/or highly processed foods that are available to students. Parents also need to take a stricter stance when it comes to healthy living and teach their children how to make healthier choices in relation to eating and exercise:

• Encourage involvement in extracurriculars and limit time spent in front of the television and computer. Children do not need technology to be entertained, so teach your child how to play by themselves and how to be entertained with regular toys instead of screens. Many public schools are resorting to cutting time out of recess or P.E. classes (or getting rid of them all-together), so it is absolutely crucial for parents to keep their children active after school and on the weekends.
• If your child doesn't have access to quality food at school, take the time each day to prepare healthy homemade lunches for them. Once they are old enough, teach them how to make their own healthy portable meals to bring to school. Even doing this just a few times a week can make a noticeable impact on overall health. At the vegetarian preschool where I work, I get to see all of the awesome healthy food that the director prepares for the kids (there is a salad every day and lots of beans, rice, tofu, tempeh, etc.--the kids love it!). I can only hope that these kids will have access to such healthy foods for the rest of their school years.

The fight against the spread of diabetes and obesity requires a joint effort from parents, schools, legislative bodies, and the community at large. We can all play a role in creating healthier environments for our children to develop in, so let's start now.

"It seems that some consideration should be given to the cause of our mounting physical disabilities, but instead of going to the root of our troubles--wrong habits of eating and drinking--we rush to the medicine shelf and smother our uncomfortable and distressed symptoms under an avalanche of pills, potions and palliatives." -Brother Roloff