Eating Out A Lot May Harm Health

Kids who eat outside the home four or more times a week (not counting school lunches) may up their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to research reported by the American Heart Association. Second-, fifth-, eighth- and eleventh-grade students who ate out at least four meals a week consumed more starch, sugar, sodium, fat and cholesterol, were more sedentary, and had higher blood pressure, lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels and lower insulin sensitivity (an early warning of type 2 diabetes).

Next Steps:
More physical activity and healthier eating gives kids the best start for a lifetime of good health.

Source: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 2005.