This is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine, owner of REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) and co-producer and host of FIT4LIFE the new television fitness programme on DBS (5:30am and 6:00pm Mon – Fri). Rodja has over 20 years experience in the field.
WEIGHT REPORT CARD
A number of schools across the US have joined the growing trend of including body mass index scores for children on their report cards.
Childhood obesity has skyrocketed in the past decade with over one third of American children now considered overweight or obese.. The health effects of childhood obesity and high BMI can result in serious health problems in adulthood, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, asthma and sleep apnea. St. Lucian children are no exception to any of these conditions.
Although BMI doesn’t measure body fat directly, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommend using BMI to screen children between the ages of 2 and 19.
Recent findings have shown that a large percentage of parents underestimate their child’s weight and the majority of paediatric overweight and obesity go undiagnosed in primary care settings in the USA. Is this true of your own children?
U.S schools are now looking for ways to engage parents in promoting healthy weight and educate their kids about the dangers of obesity. Schools in nineteen states are currently providing BMI report cards to parents. Could this be a wake-up call for local schools as well?
While the CDC, AAP and some experts might argue that this initiative provides valuable knowledge to parents, giving them new tools in the fight against childhood obesity, research suggests that parental awareness of weight status is not improved by BMI report cards.
Findings are inconclusive on whether BMI report cards lead to changes in weight-related health behaviours, and there is no evidence to suggest that report cards ultimately impact weight status. Additionally, research indicates that BMI report cards may increase dieting, a risk factor for both increased weight and eating disorders in adolescents.
Next week: Fast Food TV Ads and Obesity
In the meantime, don’t forget to watch FIT4LIFE on DBS at 5:30a.m. and 6:00p.m. Mon -Fri, where you can follow this and other Fit4Life routines at home or at your current gym. This is a 12 week plan to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Each week, the workouts will become progressively challenging to keep you motivated toward your fitness and weight loss goals. Each exercise should be performed in sequence with one day of rest in between and each should eventually be completed within 30 to 45 minutes. This programme is FREE and available by email to all readers. Personalized programmes are also available for a nominal fee. Please email your request (FREE Weight Loss Programme or personalized programme) to [email protected]. You may also contact Rodja via BBM (2354ACDF) or visit our facebook page at faceboook.com/repts.fitness for more information and videos of any Fit4Life Workouts that you may have missed on T.V.
Rodriguez”Rodja” Constantine is a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Consultant and owner of REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists), a Personal Wellness studio located in Rodney Bay opposite to the north bound Rodney Bay bus stop by RJ Clarke. Rodja has over 20 years fitness experience and through REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable wellness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counselling and Planning, NutriCare, FREE Gym Membership and Massage Therapy and Discount Spa Services, etc.) for one affordable monthly fee. Rodja also designs long term fitness plans and short term workout routines for use at home, your current gym, or when travelling. We invite you to visit REPTS for a free consultation and a tailored programme that will best help you achieve your fitness goal. You may call at anytime at 758-722-3763 during business hours (4:30a.m. – 10:00p.m.)to schedule an appointment.