Much evidence suggests that once a person is overweight, the body fights metabolically, including hormonally, to hold on to the excess weight. Health writer Tara Parker-Pope, who discusses her own struggles with weight, recently reviewed findings from many centers that attempt to explain the phenomenon. Her piece, "Do You Have to Be Superhuman to Lose Weight" boldly covered the front page of the Jan. 1 issue of the New York Times Magazine. (The article was posted online Dec. 28, 2011, under the headline, "The Fat Trap.") It appeared just in time to help those considering a very popular New Year’s resolution.
Back to our Ohio child: It is clear that efforts must be increased to prevent children from becoming overweight and provide more help for those who already are overweight. Efforts in the media, in schools, and in doctors’ offices should be increased to better educate people about nutrition. School lunches should not just be appetizing but nutritious. Children should be encouraged to be more active and not spend hour after hour in front of television or other screens. Finally, the food industry should be encouraged to be more responsible.
Dr. Perry is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has a private practice in New York City and also works in pediatric psychiatry consultation-liaison at Bellevue Hospital Center. He is clinical professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the New York University.