‘Shaq's Big Challenge' brings attention to childhood obesity
'Shaq's Big Challenge' brings attention to childhood obesity

By Brian Attebery

Published: July 10, 2007

Shaquille O'Neal's new show dealing with childhood and adolescent obesity shows that his heart is as big as he is.

"Shaq's Big Challenge” on ABC follows the lives of children as the basketball superstar enlists the help of a trainer to put them through daily exercise and on a strict diet. The health and weight of the children are monitored by a doctor specializing in childhood obesity. It is a little early to judge the show, but I think it will open some eyes to the epidemic of childhood obesity.

The show seems based on good intention, but my experience with helping clients lose weight is that obesity is as much an emotional problem as a physiological one. I look at family trends in obesity. Many times, all you have to do is take one look at the parents to realize that the genetics and environment are not conducive to weight loss.

However, I believe the environment is usually the main issue. Let me explain. In 1976, only 5.5 percent of children were overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control. By 2002, a CDC study estimated that 16 percent of children and adolescents ages 6-19 were overweight.

That kind of jump cannot be genetic. Human evolution does not happen that fast. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, less than 10 percent of childhood obesity is associated with a hormonal or genetic defect. The remaining 90 percent or more is "idiopathic,” or "of unknown cause.”

We should take responsibility for our children. Don't give them excuses to fail. They need tough love, and most parents need to take an honest look at their lifestyles. Yes, it is difficult, but that is no excuse to give up or not even try. When I say "try,” I do not mean diet for a month, fail to lose 40 pounds, then quit. Trying means taking things one day at a time and seeking help from friends, family, co-workers and, most importantly, health professionals.

First, have a doctor clear you and your child for physical activity.

Then have a trainer and/or exercise facility design a realistic exercise plan. And, last but not least, have a nutritionist help you make better food choices.

One thing I do not like about "Shaq's Big Challenge” is that the trainer seems to be too hard on the children. They are not in the military, and without positive reinforcement, many children and even adults will be discouraged. I am for brutal honesty, but it is all about how such things are approached. Children need activities that make them feel empowered and successful. They need to see the increases in strength and balance and the slow-but-steady weight decrease. They need to understand that even if their friends can eat fast food everyday, most people cannot.

I have also seen very fit parents who have an obese child. There are many reasons for this. I have seen broken homes lead children to depression and, consequently, overeating. Some children give up on activities because they do not participate in organized sports, so they don't even do recreational activities. Maybe some children simply are not as genetically blessed as one or the other of their parents. Whatever the reason, even skinny parents who can eat a lot need to be a good example in front of their child.

An overweight girl once told me, "Mom eats six cookies in front of me because she has a fast metabolism.” That little girl needed to have an example of health, and the mother needs to be more aware of her daughter's struggles. Parents also have to be careful how they discuss the child's weight. The focus should be health and doing healthy things, not on losing weight.

Many eating disorders begin with a badly handled parental discussion. All children want the unconditional love of parents. This is where the dilemma occurs.

Parents must love and encourage children but must not be too soft on them.

It is a hard balance to maintain.

If you can love them into fitness, they will thank you for it when they are older and health has become a lifestyle.

Check out "Shaq's Big Challenge.” Maybe it will encourage you to take action. If you are a fit person, offer help to someone who needs it. Shaq did.

Brian Attebery is a degreed and certified trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center in Edmond.