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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Childhood obesity linked to colon cancer risk: Why parents should take early weight gain seriously
Childhood obesity is a growing health concern worldwide, affecting millions of children every year. It occurs when a child's weight is higher than what is healthy for their age and height. Excess weight in early life not only increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease but can also raise the chances of developing colorectal cancer in adulthood. Research shows that obesity in childhood can have long-term effects on the body, including inflammation and changes in gut health. Parents play a vital role in prevention through healthy eating, active lifestyles, and reducing unhealthy food and screen time habits. What childhood obesity really means Childhood obesity is not just about a child looking 'chubby'; it's a medical condition where their weight is much higher than what is healthy for their age, height, and sex. Unlike adults, where BMI cut-offs are the same for everyone, children's BMI is compared against growth charts that take age and sex into account. Severe childhood obesity is generally divided into two main categories, based on how a child's weight compares with others of the same age and sex: Class 2 obesity: This is when a child's BMI is between 120% and 140% of the 95th percentile, or between 35 and 40 kg/m². Simply put, their weight is much higher than what is healthy for their height and age. Class 3 obesity: This is the most serious level, where BMI is more than 140% of the 95th percentile or over 40 kg/m². At this stage, the risk of serious health issues in both childhood and adulthood is significantly higher. Excess weight in childhood affects almost every organ, from the heart and lungs to the liver and bones, and can set the stage for lifelong health problems if not addressed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain? Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away Click Here Undo Common reasons children become obese Childhood obesity often results from a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common include: Genetic predisposition If obesity runs in the family, children may inherit genes that make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Genetics can influence metabolism, hunger levels, and how the body stores fat, accounting for 40–70% of a person's risk. Poor dietary habits Many children consume high-calorie foods that are low in nutrients, such as fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks. Some of these foods also contain additives linked to cancer risk. In fact, California recently banned four additives commonly found in snack foods, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3, because of their strong link to cancer. Sedentary lifestyle Screen time has replaced much of the outdoor play that was common in earlier generations. According to a study published in NIH, over 90% of children above age 2 play video games, and many spend 1.5–2 hours daily on them. Reduced physical activity not only increases weight gain but also impacts muscle, bone, and heart health. How obesity in childhood is linked to colon cancer later in life Colorectal cancer has traditionally been more common in people over 50, but it's increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. A major US study involving over 4.7 million participants found that: Boys who were obese early in life had a 39% higher risk of developing CRC as adults, with stronger links to cancers of the distal colon and rectum. Girls had a 19% higher risk, with rectal cancer showing the strongest connection. Researchers believe this is due to long-term effects of obesity, such as chronic low-grade inflammation, higher insulin levels, and changes in gut bacteria, all of which may promote cancer growth over time. What parents can do to prevent obesity and future cancer risk The good news is that small changes made early can make a big difference in a child's health and future cancer risk. Here are practical steps parents can take: Encourage balanced meals: Fill plates with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed snacks and sugary drinks: Reserve sweets for occasional treats rather than daily consumption. Promote regular physical activity: Children should be active for at least 60 minutes a day through play, sports, or outdoor activities. Set screen-time boundaries: Limit recreational screen time and encourage active alternatives. Be a role mode: Children are more likely to eat well and be active if they see their parents doing the same. Why early awareness and action on childhood obesity can help prevent colon cancer in adulthood Many parents assume that 'baby fat' will disappear as children grow, but this is not always the case. Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults, and the earlier excess weight appears, the longer the body is exposed to the harmful effects of obesity. By understanding the link between childhood obesity and colorectal cancer, parents can take steps now to reduce their children's long-term health risks. Schools, healthcare providers, and community programmes can also play a vital role by supporting healthy eating and active lifestyles. Childhood obesity isn't just a short-term concern; it can lead to serious health problems decades later, including colorectal cancer. Parents can help protect their children's future by promoting a healthy diet, encouraging regular activity, and making small but lasting lifestyle changes at home. The earlier these habits begin, the better the chances of preventing both obesity and related diseases later in life. Also Read: Eating non-veg daily is risky: Oxford study warns of heart, liver, and diabetes risks for people with these 6 conditions
Buzz Feed
11-06-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Experts Explain Why European Food Is Better For You
We've all been there. You go abroad — or have a friend who did (let's call her Rebecca) — and suddenly she's unbearable. She won't stop talking about Bar-the-lona and how the tomatoes just tasted better, how walking everywhere changed her life, how pasta in Rome doesn't even count as carbs, and how Americans 'just don't get it.' But as insufferable as she may be, Rebecca might actually have a point — especially when it comes to the food. At some point, a lot of us come back from Europe feeling…better. Healthier. Lighter. More alive. Maybe it's the slower pace, the extra steps on cobblestone streets, the two-day vacationship with a man named Matteo, or the fact that your nervous system finally got a break from interpreting every period in a Slack message as a personal attack. Or maybe it's because you inhaled bread, cheese, wine, and pasta daily, and somehow came back feeling leaner. So what gives? Is the food actually better over there, or are we all just drunk on Aperol and vacation delusion? Dr. Sandy Ziya, a functional medicine physician, says food quality in Europe really does make a difference. One of the biggest culprits behind that post-vacation glow? A break from ultra-processed foods. 'In my experience, when my patients visit Europe, they do feel healthier,' she says. 'There are many aspects of the processed food and the preparation of food that contribute to that.' And here's the thing: ultra-processed foods aren't just heavily refined — they're also loaded with additives, preservatives, and lab-made ingredients you can't pronounce. That's where the real trouble starts. 'In Europe, food colorings like Red Dye 3 and additives such as glyphosate [yep, the same stuff in Roundup weed killer] are prohibited,' says Dr. Ziya. That's because the European Food Safety Authority requires additives to be proven safe before they're approved. In the U.S., the FDA is a little looser. Instead, we've got the GRAS loophole — short for 'Generally Recognized As Safe.' It allows companies to add ingredients based on expert opinion or historical use, which sounds okay in theory, until you remember that food companies have literally paid scientists to claim cereal was a health food. So, yeah — 'safe' is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Hey, you! Wanna cook easy recipes in step-by-step mode? Download the free Tasty app right now. Dr. Supriya Rao, a gastroenterologist, explains that all those additives and preservatives can do more than just make you feel sluggish — they can mess with your gut on a cellular level. 'Some common American additives (like carrageenan, polysorbate 80, and certain oils) may alter gut bacteria or increase permeability and increase cytokine production, contributing to inflammation and digestive issues over time,' she says. Zooming out, Dr. Rao adds that the broader issue is how the Standard American Diet stacks all of this together. 'It's full of processed foods, sugary drinks, fast foods, red meat, alcohol, and additives. Eating like this consistently drives chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, weight gain, and more — all of which are foundational triggers for diseases like type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular issues.' So yes, our food might be slowly killing us. But, hey, at least it's convenient, right? Here's the thing: It's not about guilt-tripping you into growing your own kale or never eating a gas station Snickers again. It's about awareness. Because once you know what you're up against, you can actually do something about it. 'Most people don't even know they're consuming ultra-processed food at every meal,' says Dr. Ziya. 'But the lack of satiety — that never-full feeling — is a major clue. Processed foods hijack your hunger cues.' If you've ever eaten a full bag of Doritos and still felt snacky, you know what she's talking about. So what can we do? Short of moving to a seaside village in Sicily, eating tomatoes grown out of your own garden, and making your own pasta with locally milled flour (honestly, tempting), here are a few real-world tips: — Read ingredient lists. If it has 32 ingredients and you can't pronounce half of them, maybe skip it.— Prioritize organic when possible. Yes, it's more expensive. But when you can, do it. Especially for produce and animal products.— Look for 'banned in Europe' ingredients. If it's banned over there and allowed here, consider it a red flag (not a sexy red flag either).— Cook more at home. Even just a couple of meals a week can help cut down on additives.— Follow the 80/20 rule. You don't have to eat clean all the time; just try to make it your maybe, just maybe, we start holding food manufacturers and government regulators accountable: lobby for better labeling, ask questions, and vote with your fork. Because right now, Europe isn't winning the food game by accident. They're winning because they actually care about public health. Wild, right? TL;DR: Yes, European food is generally healthier. Their food safety standards are stricter, and their ingredient lists are shorter. Your vacation glow isn't all in your head — your gut, your sleep, and your mood probably did improve because of what (and how) you ate. But you don't have to hop on a plane every time you want to feel better. Start small. Stay curious. And hey, if you happen to meet a hot man while shopping for organic zucchini in Trader Joe's, that's just a bonus. Thinking of cooking at home tonight? Download the free Tasty app, where you can follow step-by-step instructions for over 7,500 recipes — no subscription required.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sales of Red Dye 3 Products Decline as FDA Bans More Synthetic Ingredients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to phase out Red Dye 3, a synthetic ingredient that gives food and beverages a vibrant red color, already appears to be altering consumer behavior: They're buying less of the stuff. The FDA's new plan to eliminate a handful of other petroleum-based dyes by the end of 2026-including Blue Dye 1, Green Dye 3, Yellow Dye 6-is bound to put even more pressure on major manufacturers, such as PepsiCo and General Mills, to come up with innovative formulations. Figures from NielsenIQ (NIQ), a consumer intelligence firm, show sales of products containing Red Dye 3 have declined in past years, but took a sharp tumble in January following the FDA's declaration to remove the additive from the nation's food supply. "Whether or not this is directly correlated with the ban announcement, it appears consumers are increasingly paying attention to these ingredients-especially since we have seen sales of products with Red Dye 3 trending downward since 2023," Sherry Frey, vice president of total wellness at NIQ, told ADWEEK. At present, food and beverage brands use synthetic dyes in thousands of products. Red Dye 40, for example, appears in nearly 24,000 items. Yellow Dye 5 exists in more than 22,000. The artificial ingredients are most prevalent in the following categories: candy, gum, mints, snacks, desserts, beverages, and baking supplies. "Potential fallout from the synthetic food dye ban leaves these categories vulnerable and underscores the need for an urgent response," Frey added. In reaction to the FDA's plan to ban artificial dyes, the National Confectioners Association noted it looks forward to working on the issue with Congress and the Trump Administration. 'We are in firm agreement that science-based evaluation of food additives will help eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in our national food safety system,' read a statement from the trade group, whose members include Mars, Ferrara, and Hershey's. Why Valentine's Day May Become a Duller Shade of Red Brands, of course, have long relied on distinct colors to attract shoppers. UPS is known for its brown trucks. Most people can identify a piece of Tiffany's jewelry by its blue box. The same strategy applies to marketing certain food and beverages. At the same time, demand for natural ingredients is growing. Nearly 25,000 items now feature labels claiming its contents are free from artificial colors, according to NIQ, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences for cleaner food options. "The industry has been actively moving toward artificial dye alternatives for quite some time, as consumers have increasingly been paying attention to clean label attributes," said Frey. "We anticipate consumers will respond immediately to the recent bans."
Black America Web
24-04-2025
- Health
- Black America Web
FDA to Phase Out Artificial Dyes: What You Need to Know
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Scott Olson / Getty The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a major policy shift that will affect some of the most colorful snacks on store shelves. Popular items like Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Skittles, and Mountain Dew Baja Blast will soon be reformulated as the FDA phases out petroleum-based synthetic dyes. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know: The FDA plans to eliminate six synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of next year. This includes: Red 40 Yellow 5 Yellow 6 Blue 1 Blue 2 Green 2 Red Dye 3, previously given a longer timeline, is now also expected to be phased out by the end of 2026. This policy directly affects products that rely on vibrant synthetic colors, including: Flamin' Hot Cheetos Skittles Trix Cereal Mountain Dew Baja Blast Froot Loops And many more from brands like PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars, and WK Kellogg. The FDA recommends that food manufacturers switch to natural coloring options, such as: Watermelon juice Beet juice Carrot juice These alternatives, while often more expensive, are considered safer for long-term health. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary cited growing evidence linking artificial dyes to hyperactivity in children and other health concerns. The move follows years of pressure from health advocates and consumer groups. Though there isn't a strict ban in place, the FDA and food industry have an understanding. The agency plans to enforce a national timeline and is exploring all available tools to ensure compliance. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is leading the charge, claiming food and drug industry corruption has made Americans less healthy. He aims to prioritize nutrition over pharmaceuticals. In past years, companies like Kraft Heinz reformulated products like mac and cheese to use natural dyes. Others, like General Mills, temporarily switched but reverted due to poor consumer response. Companies that help food brands reformulate recipes are now in high demand. McCormick has reported an uptick in activity as more manufacturers look to replace synthetic colors and reduce sodium. While natural colors are generally more costly to produce, Makary claims this shift shouldn't significantly impact consumer prices, pointing to other countries where similar changes have been implemented successfully. Spring 2025 : FDA begins revoking authorization of synthetic dyes : FDA begins revoking authorization of synthetic dyes End of 2025 : Red Dye 3 phased out : Red Dye 3 phased out End of 2026 : Remaining six dyes removed from market : Remaining six dyes removed from market Ongoing: Approval and rollout of natural dye alternatives SEE ALSO FDA to Phase Out Artificial Dyes: What You Need to Know was originally published on
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Trump Team Vows To Ban Artificial Food Dyes, Calls It "Existential Threat"
Washington: President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday announced plans to remove synthetic dyes from the US food supply, marking a rare point of bipartisan convergence in an otherwise sharply divided political climate. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has vowed to overhaul America's food system under the banner of his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda, and the push would phase out the eight approved artificial food dyes by the end of 2026. It builds upon a prohibition on Red Dye 3 by the government of former president Joe Biden but accelerates the timeline and also calls on the National Institutes of Health to carry out comprehensive research on how additives impact children's development. "For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals," Food and Drug Administration commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference, surrounded by young families and MAHA supporters. He cited studies linking synthetic dyes to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), diabetes, cancer, genomic disruption, gastrointestinal issues and more. Kennedy, for his part, called the issue of dyes and additives more generally an "existential" threat. "When my uncle was president in the 1960s, we had the healthiest people in the world -- and one of the basic assumptions of our country was that because we were robust people... that was responsible for our country being the land of the brave and the home of the free," he said. Of the eight synthetic dyes derived from petroleum, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40 make up the lion's share of those in use, Peter Lurie, president and executive director of the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, told AFP. They are found in a range of products, from beverages and candies to cereals, sauces and dairy products. Under the new plan, the FDA would revoke authorization for two of the eight dyes, while relying on the food industry to voluntarily eliminate the other six, but Kennedy said they have been receptive in talks. "None of them convey anything of any nutritional significance, and what they're really there for is to mislead -- to make food appear somehow redder, somehow bluer, somehow fruitier or more attractive than it is," said Lurie. "And the purpose of all that is to drive up sales, it's not anything that benefits the American public." Bipartisan momentum Momentum has been building at the state level. In March, Republican-leaning West Virginia enacted a broad ban on synthetic dyes, following California's 2024 decision to restrict them in public schools. While Red Dye 3 was previously targeted for phaseout in foods and drugs by 2027 and 2028 respectively due to cancer concerns, the remaining dyes have been linked to behavioral issues such as attention deficit disorder in children. In Europe, these dyes are not banned outright -- but the requirement to carry warning labels has led many companies to switch to natural alternatives. Kennedy's stance puts him in rare alignment with mainstream scientific consensus -- a shift from his controversial record of promoting vaccine misinformation, downplaying the country's worst measles outbreak in years, and suggesting bird flu should be allowed to spread naturally among poultry. Still, opposition from the food industry may yet surface. Manufacturers have long resisted tighter regulations, though Kennedy insisted they are ready to adapt. "They want clear guidelines, they want to know what they can and can't do, and we're going to give them that," he said. Lurie remained skeptical. "All I know is that industry wasn't up there on the podium," he said. "If they were so clearly on board, you have to ask yourself why they weren't there."
