VOA标准英语2008年-Study Shows Family Mealtime Reduces Eating Diso

By Alex Villarreal
Washington
11 January 2008
 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says one to four percent of all young women in the United States are affected¹ by eating disorders² such as anorexia³, and an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents are overweight or obese⁴. A recent study suggests families can take one simple step to help their children fight those trends. VOA's Alex Villarreal reports.

The University of Minnesota study found that regular family meals can keep teenage girls from developing behaviors linked to eating disorders.

Researchers say girls who eat with their families most days of the week are 29 percent less likely to exhibit extreme behaviors, such as binge eating or vomiting⁵.

Dr. Tania Heller heads the Washington Center for Eating Disorders and Adolescent Obesity⁶. She says family mealtime can be critical.

"Family meals can allow parents to have more face-to-face time with their kids and with their teenagers," says Heller. "And this can potentially improve communication, improve family relationships and let parents pick up on disordered eating and eating problems at an early stage."

For Celia Kibler, it is never too early to start. Kibler founded Funfit, a health club for children.  Kibler says Funfit teaches families how to stay healthy through good eating and exercise. "Bad habits can start very early," she explains. "Obviously, as parents, when a child is young, in the toddler age range, you are their greatest role model. So if a parent does not start teaching a child good eating habits and good fitness habits, they're not going to learn them."

Eight-year-old Emily Harrington came to Funfit after her doctor-expressed concern about her weight.  Even she recognizes the importance of family activities to stay healthy. "My family can help me be healthier by start[ing] walking ... because two days ago, we went to Redland Park, and I told my mom, 'Ok, let's do one more time.' And then I said, 'Just one more time!'  And it was fun," said Emily.

Kibler advises parents to make sure healthy living is fun for their children. She says the best way to do that is together. 

1 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

2 disorders   

n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调

参考例句：

• Reports of anorexia and other eating disorders are on the increase. 据报告，厌食症和其他饮食方面的功能紊乱发生率正在不断增长。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The announcement led to violent civil disorders. 这项宣布引起剧烈的骚乱。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 anorexia   

n.厌食症

参考例句：

• Anorexia can creep up on young girls when they least expect it.年轻女子可能在最没有防备的情況下患上厌食症。
• Anorexia is a common eating disorder.厌食是一种常见的饮食紊乱症。

4 obese   

adj.过度肥胖的，肥大的

参考例句：

• The old man is really obese,it can't be healthy.那位老人确实过于肥胖了，不能算是健康。
• Being obese and lazy is dangerous to health.又胖又懒危害健康。

5 vomiting   

吐

参考例句：

• Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting. 症状有腹泻和呕吐。
• Especially when I feel seasick, I can't stand watching someone else vomiting." 尤其晕船的时候，看不得人家呕。”

6 obesity   

n.肥胖，肥大

参考例句：

• One effect of overeating may be obesity.吃得过多能导致肥胖。
• Sugar and fat can more easily lead to obesity than some other foods.糖和脂肪比其他食物更容易导致肥胖。