The UK Gets Tough on Parents

The UK is going to try a new tactic in the war against child obesity. The Guardian is reporting that the British government is starting a public campaign to educate parents as to the consequences of indulging their children with cookies, candies and soft drinks.

Most parents don't realize that the treat they are using as a reward for good behavior may be setting their child up for lifelong health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

The government will use graphic pictures of children suffering the effects that obesity has on a child's health, and directly links this with parental behavior.

This is a bold maneuver, one which I hope has the desired effect of creating an environment of social unacceptability of overindulgence in junk food.

Michael P. Scaccia, M.D., F.A.A.P.

The Obesity Tax

David Patterson, the Governor of New York, wrote a commentary on CNN.com justifying his recent proposal for an "obesity tax" on sugared drinks. He is proposing taxing all sugared drinks (not just sodas) in an attempt to dissuade consumption by children.

After reading his commentary, I kept thinking "This guy gets it." Until society starts to address the factors that lead to childhood obesity, we as health care providers are doomed to fail.

Our government needs to reflect an understanding of the negative impact of obesity, and make it a national priority to address the problem through legislation and fund appropriation. Banning soft drinks from the schools was a start. Taxing sugared drinks will also help. More work will need to be done, however, to stem the tide of rampant obesity, and it won't be easy.

A government can tax soft drinks and place a barrier to their consumption, but it is much more difficult to limit TV time for children, or mandate an hour of physical exercise per day. We must use other means to address these factors for a more comprehensive solution to the problem.

Until ignoring childhood obesity becomes socially unacceptable, we will continue to fight an uphill battle. We have only to look at societal progress in reducing tobacco consumption to see what is possible when we as a society put our minds to something.

Michael P. Scaccia, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Too Much TV is Bad for Children's Health

OK, so this isn't necessarily news, but a recent scientific study highlighted in this TIME magazine article is disturbing nonetheless.

A comprehensive look at the many different effects media has on our youth revealed that the more exposure there was, the greater the risk of childhood obesity, tobacco use, sexual behavior, drug use, alcohol use, low academic achievement and ADHD.

This study actually looked at hundreds of other studies and chose the most scientifically sound and put together their findings.

Let this be a reminder to continue to rein in countless hours in front of the TV. Get your kids up and moving - your family will be happier and healthier for it.

Michael P. Scaccia, M.D., F.A.A.P.