Kids younger than 11 experience higher BMIs, following fruit juice ingestion, compared to their older counterparts. The study also revealed that children 8 years old and younger registered the most severe BMIs after having fruit juice.
In light of this, JAMA Pediatrics believes just eight ounces of this drink each day is too much for kids below six to consume. Even modest BMI increases can eventually add up, leaving children more susceptible to being overweight or obese in the years leading up to adulthood.
Parents, rather than allowing their kids to drink fruit juice, hence remain advised to give their children whole fruits.
The dangers of children being overweight or obese
Medical data repeatedly indicates that children who struggle with being overweight or obese remain more prone to the following health issues at younger ages:
- Premature death
- Diabetes
- Cardiac troubles
- Cardiovascular problems
Thankfully, limiting fruit juice consumption is just one of many ways parents can help spare their kids from the aforementioned challenges. Making sure children get regular exercise, eat nutritious meals, and see healthy lifestyle choices modeled for them at home all play a role in lowering their susceptibility to medical complications.
