TORONTO—Childhood obesity has quadrupled in the last 40 years, which may mean today's children will become the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents, according to Edward Abramson, PhD. Abramson, professor emeritus at California State University-Chico, a teacher of psychology and author of the books "Body Intelligence" and "Emotional Eating.”
Speaking at the American Psychological Association’s 117th Annual Convention, Abramson said parents can help stave off this impending crisis if they help their children to eat better and exercise, In the last decade, "we've seen a [tenfold] increase in type 2 diabetes and psychological and social consequences, such as prejudice, rejection, discrimination and low self-esteem in children," he said. "More than 60 percent of overweight children have one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 20 percent have two or more risk factors."
Bad eating habits can start with "emotional eating," or eating when one is not hungry, or from following a strict diet, Abramson said. "This can lead to a weight problem or an eating disorder," he added. "Parents' attitudes and behaviors also have an influence on children's eating, and mothers more than fathers affect children's eating habits and body image."