Are childhood sleep duration and adult BMI connected?

A very interesting read... short and to the point. A study from New Zealand showed that there is a connection between childhood sleep duration and adult body mass index (BMI). The less sleep (less than 11 hours per day) a child receives between the ages of 7-11 years old, the higher the BMI as an adult in their 30s. No apparent significant or consistent results were obtained for moderate or long sleepers (more than 11 hours per day).

Here is yet another reason why your child, tween or teen needs their beauty sleep! It is very important for them to get to bed on time and get as much sleep as possible. Not only will you see them performing at their fullest potential in school and not only will they be on their best behavior most of the time, but now, it has been shown that you help their bodies to be at their healthiest weight for life.
Contemporary Pediatrics (Land-huis CE et al: Pediatrics 2008;122:955)

New factor in teen obesity: Parents

"In a new policy brief released by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, researchers found that adolescents are more likely to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day if their parents do. Contrarily, teens whose parents eat fast food or drink soda are more likely to do the same."
This article published just a few weeks ago further stresses the importance of parental example. Remember that you may not think that your children are looking at you, but oh, they are watching closely! Lead by example, parents, and you will see that your children will certainly have the positive healthy lifestyles that you are looking for them!

'mtz' to join forces with the largest online health and wellness community, Wellsphere!

Exciting news! 'my training zone' is a featured practice in Wellsphere' HealthBlogger Network! Wellsphere is the largest online health and wellness community and Dr. Fals is recognized as a physician medical expert in the Parenting Community section. We are honored to be recognized in this fashion as we receive the "Top Health Blogger" status. We are elated to now be able to reach millions of parents and families who are looking for guidance and help in combatting childhood obesity!

Coming soon to www.mytrainingzone.com -- you will be able to communicate with Dr. Fals via e-mail and phone calls! Visit us there and ask our medical expert any question that you might have regarding child and adolescent weight management!

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Angela Fals, MD, FAAP

Parenting Community