| The FLAVORx Research Institute is currently
working with pediatric obesity specialists and bariatric surgeons
to derive a solution to the rise in childhood obesity. Readily
available high-calorie and sugar-added food and drinks in
combination with less exercise and activity has led to an
astronomical jump in cases of overweight and obsese children
and adolescents. FRI is committed to working with chemists
and researchers to derive a supplement that will provide the
nutrients that children need that tastes good without a high
caloric intake.
 Bethesda,
MD (PRWEB) May 11, 2006 - According to the American
Obesity Association, it is estimated that about 15.5% of adolescents
(ages 12-19) and 15.3% of children (ages 6-11) are obese.
This is a staggering wake-up call for children, parents, policy
experts and healthcare practitioners nationwide who are now
grappling with an obesity problem that has nearly quadrupled
in children over the last 25 years. Therefore, the FLAVORx
Research Institute (FRI), the technical arm of FLAVORx, Inc
that is dedicated to examining breakthrough technologies in
health and pharmaceuticals, has recently partnered with bariatric
surgeons and pediatric obesity specialists to address this
major healthcare challenge for the 21st century. FRI is working
in conjunction with top researchers to examine a possible
solution to combat the poor dietary habits and nutritional
deficiencies that many children and adolescents face.
Beyond the immediate health concerns and healthcare costs
that these children may face, experts fear that this group
of youngsters could become future overweight and obese adults.
The causes of childhood obesity can come from a number of
sources. Diet and eating habits, inactivity, socioeconomic
status, environment, and of course, genetics can all play
a key role in increased prevalence of overweight and obese
children and adolescents. Studies show that genetic or “internal”
factors account for about 30-40% of obesity cases, meaning
external and behavioral factors primarily explain the recent
escalation in weight gain among children and adolescents.
While these external and behavioral factors may be variable
and obscure, physiologically and scientifically speaking,
the breakdown is a bit more clear-cut; weight gain occurs
when bodily intake exceeds bodily output in the form of activity
and exercise.
FRI made plans to first identify the key issues that preclude
weight gain. It is apparent that children are ingesting food
and drink that are high in calories and low in nutritional
value while concurrently not getting enough exercise to compensate
for that intake. To address this issue, FRI is currently examining
zero and low-calorie solutions that will still supply children
and adolescents with the nutrients and electrolytes they need
on a day-to-day basis. Not surprisingly, several studies now
show that high-calorie and sugar-added drinks, snacks and
meals are linked to weight gain. A cup (8 ounces) of apple
juice typically contains 112 calories, a cup of cola around
152, and even sports drinks contain approximately 60 calories
per cup. With serving sizes on the rise these days (a typical
drink is usually 20 ounces), it is not uncommon that children,
and adults alike, could easily ingest hundreds of calories
in liquids alone without even realizing it. "Sugary beverages
have no nutritional value and seem to make a huge contribution
to weight gain".
Comprehensive weight-loss programs often do not have a substantial
effect on body weight, "People often get overwhelmed
(particularly children) by nutrition advice and give up,"
A good tasting beverage that suppresses the appetite and has
no calories but is high in nutrients is a good bet to a simple
weight loss plan for children. They simply won't have the
cravings for the junk food and beverages they are currently
ingesting.
Currently, FRI is working with pediatric obesity specialists
and bariatric surgeons to identify the key nutrients that
children and adolescents require every day. Working with researchers
and chemists, FRI is developing a supplement that will have
the capabilities to replenish the body’s cellular and
metabolic requirements and suppress the appetite without the
unwanted calories. Once this formulation is complete, FRI
will go on to test its product with a taste panel to help
identify key flavors and formulations that will satisfy the
tastes of children and adolescents.
FRI is a consortium of the industry’s top chemists
and flavor specialists who have over 10 years of experience
addressing the needs of taste science. FLAVORx has partnered
with organizations such as the National Institutes of Health,
GlaxoSmithKline, the UCLA Department of Pediatric Allergy
and Immunology, Doctor's Without Borders and the HIV-Netherlands
Amsterdam Thailand Research Collaboration.
For more information, please visit www.flavorx.com/fri_home.html
or contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771 extension
234
 Go to Top
|
