You’d Never Guess that Dieting Appeals More to Kids
A recent survey shows that there is a 50% increase in the dieting habits of school boys. The study reveals that hundreds of boys aged between 11 to 15 years are resorting to severe measures to lose weight as quickly as possible. Researchers are of the opinion that there has been a dramatic rise since the last circulation of a questionnaire with regard to weight loss, way back in 1990.
During that year, about 14% of the boys who underwent the questioning rounds revealed that they were on crash diets to lose weight. In 2006 however, the same figure has risen to a whopping 20%. Researchers questioned about 6200 students who were aged 11, 13 and 15 years. In the Scottish schools, about 613 were either currently on such quick weight loss diets or had already been dieting earlier.
About 765 boys also complained about getting uneasy with their fat bodies. Though the researchers did not find any severe repercussions of dieting in these pupils they are certain that dieting is certainly an unhealthy option for kids to lose weight.
Dangers of Dieting For Kids
Researchers were prompt in reveling that extreme forms of dieting can prove to be harmful for kids in the following ways:
- Low-self esteem
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor concentration and attention skills
- Eating disorders in teenage years
- Adult obesity
- Depression
- Suicide
Dieting is not worth risking one’s life and especially those lives which have yet to live many years. It is therefore very important for parents to guide their children through healthy eating patterns.
Parents should also keep in mind that being dogmatic won’t help. Instead, keep your approach as friendly and encourage activities, games, and sports in your kids coupled with homemade nutritious diets that will keep them full, energetic and in shape for years to come.