Mi Gordito

In September 2009 the Washington Post published an article which revealed a study, funded by the Foundation for Child Development, showing high rates of childhood obesity -- a BMI of 30 or greater -- amongst the sons of immigrants.

The study further revealed that obesity was most prevalent among newly arrived Hispanic immigrants and non-Hispanic white immigrants.

The report did not go into reasons for the increased obesity rates, but it did mention likely factors such as the availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods in schools, advertising directed at children and ignorance, in the immigrant community, of the risks of too much junk food and healthy diet options.

The study also revealed the problem to be more pronounced among immigrants from less developed countries and among those whose parents do not speak English. The study speculates that the problem may be more prevalent among boys because boys have more freedom outside the home.

The study is important because childhood obesity sets the stage for serious health problems later in life, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The traditional Hispanic diet is not, necessarily, unhealthy but the "Americanization" of traditional Hispanic foods -- the heavy addition of cheeses, heavy sauces and creams -- coupled with less-than healthy American junk food options contributes to obesity in Hispanic youth.

This doesn't mean you have to get rid of all of your delicias , but you should talk to your kids about good nutrition. Pack a healthy after-school snack instead of giving them money to spend on their own. Healthy habits now will last them until they're adults.