Research science has identified a new drug that increases the odds that children do not grow up to suffer from childhood obesity. This is an oral medication that must be taken daily, with meals, and administered by the parent.
And what parent wouldn’t want to provide this medication, which also has been shown to increase teen’s nutrient status (from a study of over 4700 middle school kids in the Minneapolis area)?
Side effects include better grades and less risky behavior (such as alcohol use, tobacco use, marijuana use, sexual activity, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, violence and delinquency, school-related issues, and general well-being).
What is this miracle med that improves behavior and helps prevent childhood obesity at the same time?
It’s called the family meal. Kids that simply eat with their family are less likely to grow up to be obese.
Of course, there are some caveats (there always are). Positive outcomes are more likely when the environment includes “warmth, group enjoyment, parental positive reinforcement with conversation.”
Also it turns out to matter whether the TV is on or not. In one study, roughly 1/3 of the teens watched TV while eating their family meals. The others ate at the table with their parents, sans electronics. Those who ate with their family and you know, talked with each other, ate healthier foods.
The authors conclude that “Feasible ways to increase the frequency of family mealsshould be explored with adolescents and their families.” No kidding.