It sounds counterintuitive, but research shows there’s a link between obesity and the summer.
A study published in the journal Obesity found that kids tend to gain more weight during the summer than the school year.
This may be because kids overeat, are less physically active and have more screen time during the summer. And since bedtimes tend to be later during the summer, the natural circadian rhythms are disrupted, which could lead to weight gain.
What can we do to combat weight gain this summer? Researchers say kids don’t gain weight because of a lack of exercise alone. Watch portion sizes, avoid surgery drinks and treats and eat at home more often.
Fortunately I’ve not yet noticed this problem during the summer with my kids. They attend a sports camp and are active all day. But they do stay up later and indulge in cold treats, like ice cream, more often because the weather is so hot.
And when they go to overnight camp, I’ll worry they’ll over-indulge without a parent to monitor their intake of unhealthy foods.
This summer, I’m going to take them for extra bike rides, even if we end up at our local frozen yogurt store.
Do your kids gain weight during the summer? How to you ensure they maintain a healthy weight?
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