Weighty matters
Inheritances can be surprising: In 1992, a 17-year-old waitress named Cara Wood, working in a diner in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was left half a million dollars as a reward for her kindness to one customer, a childless widower! Then there was the Portuguese aristocrat who chose to divvy up his estate among 70 total strangers he picked out of a phone book.
What you inherit from your parents can come as just as much of a surprise to your waistline. But it doesn't have to! After analyzing data on more than 100,000 children from six countries, including the United States, scientists found that as a kid you inherit about 20 percent of your body mass index from your mom and 20 percent from your dad. However, 60 percent of your childhood and teenage weight is determined by lifestyle choices. Even though many overweight and obese adolescents become obese adults, genetics is not destiny when it comes to weight.
Mom and Dad: Help your children achieve a healthy weight by preparing shared family meals, introducing fresh food choices, especially vegetable dishes (even frozen), discouraging fast food and sweet sodas, and enjoying walks, hikes, ballgames and bike rides together.
Teens: You have a lot of control over your lifestyle choices. You can decide to opt for a normal weight - and a brighter future - by saying no thanks to unhealthy food choices at home, school and out with friends. And join intramural, club or school-based sports teams for a stronger body and happier attitude.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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