Childhood Obesity

What they are: Mechanical, or analog, scales have a dial readout displaying weight in pounds and kilograms.

Why to buy: Mechanical scales tend to be less expensive, don’t require a battery, may come with extra large numbers for ease of use, and are the simplest to use.

Things to consider: Over time, mechanical scales may consistently add or subtract a few pounds. Most come with a tension knob to adjust the scale as required

What they are: These scales give a digital (and sometimes audio) readout of weight.

Why to buy: Digital scales may have features to allow storing and tracking weight over time, may have the ability to switch between pounds and kilograms, and may provide voice readouts of weight. If several family members are using one scale, consider a model with a multiple-user memory function.

Things to consider: If you’re concerned about cost and ease of use, a mechanical scale may be a better choice. Digital scales require batteries, which need to be replaced when they wear out, so consider buying a rechargeable set for best value.

What they are: Digital scales with full features can measure and track body weight, body mass index, percent body fat and lean body mass, hydration status, and bone mass.

Why to buy: These models are a good choice for those who want the most information about weight and related measures. Tracking fat and lean body mass can motivate some people to more consistently follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Things to consider: Extra features often mean higher cost. These models provide an idea of fat and lean mass, bone mass, and hydration, but are not always completely accurate. You should not rely on results from these scales to make important medical decisions. Digital scales require batteries, which need to be replaced when they wear out, so consider buying a rechargeable set for best value.

What they are: With manual monitors, the user inflates the cuff around the arm and listens for the pulse through a stethoscope to determine blood pressure as the cuff deflates.

Why to buy: Once you master their use, manual monitors are accurate and less expensive than most automated models.

Things to consider: Manual monitors are more difficult to use than automated models, requiring more practice to learn or even another person to operate it.

What they are: These devices have built-in stethoscopes with readings displayed on a digital screen. With semi-automatic monitors, the user inflates the cuff, while fully automatic monitors inflate the cuff for you. 

Why to buy: These monitors typically are more expensive than manual options, but may vary in price depending on features. If you are looking for the most accurate and easiest way to store and track blood pressure readings over time, these models are a good option. 

Things to consider: If you’re more concerned about cost than ease of use, manual options may be a better choice.

What they are: These newer devices allow a smaller cuff to be placed on the wrist or on a finger, instead of on the upper arm. 

Why to buy: Putting on and taking off these monitors is easier than manipulating an arm cuff.  

Things to consider: Although they tend to fall in the same cost range as automatic arm monitors, these monitors tend to be less accurate and lead to more errors than arm cuff monitors.

What they are: Depending on your budget and health tracking needs, you may want to consider spending extra dollars to purchase a digital monitor with more advanced features, including memory to store readings over time and computer software to track and graph your readings on a computer or mobile device. 

Why to buy: Advanced features allow you to track blood pressure over time. Along with a few observations and notes, this can help you uncover connections between your behaviors, such as what you’ve eaten or how much you’ve exercised, and your blood pressure readings. Understanding these connections can help you take positive, effective actions to improve your health. 

Things to consider: Advanced features cost more and may take more time to learn how to use. Many come with good instructions but if you’re uncomfortable with computers you may find these features take significant effort to learn and use.

What they are: Numerous herbal and plant products on the market may suppress appetite. These include bitter orange (hydroxycitric acid), capsaicin (cayenne or red pepper), fucoxanthin, garcinia, glucomannan, green tea, guarana, guar gum, hoodia, yerba mate, and others.

Why to buy: Some medical studies have suggested that certain herbal and plant-based appetite suppressants and weight loss products, such as green tea extract, may be effective for promoting weight loss. Fiber-containing substances, such as glucomannon and guar gum, may enhance feelings of fullness without unpleasant side effect such as rapid heart rate or insomnia.

Things to consider: Do not use these products without consulting your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or irregular heartbeats, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or are taking medications to treat depression or other mental health issues. Some herbal appetite suppressants can cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects including irritability, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. Some herbal products, such as guarana and yerba mate, are potent sources of caffeine.

What they are: Non-herbal appetite suppressants include products and substances such as:

• caffeine—whether from natural sources or added to products, caffeine is an appetite suppressant
• chitosan—starch derived from the skeletons of shellfish
• chromium—a mineral involved in balancing blood sugar
• conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)—a type of fat found in dairy products
• pyruvate or pyruvic acid—a substance the body naturally produces after carbohydrate and protein digestion
• tastants—a combination of ingredients such as maltodextrin (starch), tricalcium phosphate, silica, and soy; according to the creator of one of these products it, “is intended to work with your sense of smell, fooling your brain and stomach into thinking you're full”

Why to buy: Non-herbal appetite suppressants may have fewer of the side effects associated with herbal products, such as irritability, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and insomnia. Some natural appetite suppressants, such as CLA, pyruvate, and chromium, may promote weight loss, according to medical studies.

Things to consider: Do not use these products without consulting your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or irregular heart beats, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or are taking medications to treat depression or other mental health issues. Chromium can be toxic in high doses.

What they are: Currently approved prescription appetite-suppressant medications include phentermine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, and benzphetamine. Phentermine is the most commonly prescribed of the available prescription appetite suppressants.

Why to buy: These medications have been studied and proven to assist with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Things to consider: These medications are intended for short-term use, typically up to 12 weeks, under a doctor’s supervision. They may not be safe for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or irregular heart beats, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease. Side effects can be unpleasant and include irritability, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

What they are:A pedometer is a small device, usually worn on your belt or clipped to a pocket, which counts how many steps you take in a day. There are two types:

• Pendulum: Placement of a pendulum pedometer is vital for accuracy and they must remain in a vertical position on the hip or waist band.
• Piezoelectric accelerometers: These can be placed anywhere on the front of the body, and some can even be kept in a pocket or on a neck lanyard and still provide accurate step counts.

Most pedometers weigh only a few ounces and include a security strap to attach to clothing to prevent you from losing it.

Why to buy: Pedometers are an easy way to track your daily exercise and overall health. Beyond counting steps, many pedometers track the distance in miles, amount of time you’ve been active, and total calories burned.

Things to consider: When choosing a pedometer, consider the size of the display screen and the ease of reading results. Pendulum-style pedometers are generally less expensive than accelerometers, but the counting of incidental steps can be frustrating. Advantages of accelerometer pedometers are there are no moving parts and they remain silent as they record every step you take. Remember you’ll need to set your average step length or stride length in order for the pedometer to be accurate. Read the instructions on your pedometer carefully; most ask for the step length and explain how to measure it properly. Also note that some pedometers reset at midnight so you’re ready to go each morning, while others require you to manually reset them. Look at whether you need to change the batteries regularly or if it’s rechargeable through a USB connection to your computer.

What they are: Monitors that help you measure steps plus other tracking, such as heart rate, calories burned, and so on.

Why to buy: Pedometers with features that track heart rate and so on are handy for keeping an eye on your cardiovascular health, too. More advanced models include a memory function to save your accomplishments and some can upload data to a website, so you can easily track your results online and share with your doctors and friends.

Things to consider: When investing in tools to support your health goals, sometimes simplest is best, but other times it can be helpful to combine goals and look for a device that will give you other helpful information, such as heart rate or trackable online information.

What they are: Many heart rate monitors look and function similarly to a wristwatch. Simple heart rate monitors measure your pulse in beats per minute while advanced models keep a history of readings and track data like irregular heartbeats and average and maximum heart rates. Some monitors even offer display text in multiple languages including English, German, French, and Spanish.

Why to buy: Measuring your heart rate is important for getting the most out of your workouts, and can be especially important if you have heart health concerns. Most monitors save results by date and time, some for more than one user, and many have averaging functions so you get a feel for how your heart is doing over time.

Things to consider: Many heart rate monitors include a chest strap that sends a wireless signal to the monitor on your wrist. Other heart rate monitors attach to your wrist or finger where your pulse rate may be counted through the skin. While comfort is one consideration, keep in mind that some experts believe chest straps are most accurate. Check which types of batteries the monitor takes and make sure you can replace them yourself. Look for features such as power-saving modes and low-battery indicators.

What they are: Usually worn on your wrist or arm, all-in-one digital devices may measure heart rate, calories burned, number of steps taken, and more. Look for those that combine a heart rate monitor with other interesting tools, like GPS sports watches and mp3 players. Some monitors even interface with exercise equipment or computer software to give you more detail and allow the sharing of results with your doctor or personal trainer.

Why to buy: Multipurpose monitors provide a better overall picture of your health by tracking multiple factors in one place and cutting down on the number of different gadgets you need. Combining music with your workout makes it a lot more fun.

Things to consider: Make sure the monitor is easy for you to use—pay attention to the size of the screen and buttons, how easy it is to switch between operating modes, how long the battery lasts, and so forth. When using a device for multiple purposes, you may use power more quickly and have to replace or recharge batteries more often. Online user reviews can be helpful when choosing a device combined with a heart rate monitor.

What they are: Heart rate monitors are sometimes designed to meet other needs, such as water-resistant and waterproof models. There are even heart rate monitors for cyclists to attach to their bikes, which can record data such as bike speed, pedal rpms, and elevation as well.

Why to buy: If you’re going to wear your heart rate monitor outdoors in rain, snow, or other wet weather, look for ones rated as water resistant. If there’s a possibility your heart rate monitor will get submerged in water, even for a short time period, you’ll need one that’s waterproof.

Things to consider: There are varying degrees of “water resistant” depending on how much moisture exposure the device can handle, so read labels carefully and err on the side of caution.

What they are: Fingertip heart rate monitors—which measure your heart rate through the skin in a few short seconds—are rapidly growing in popularity.

Why  to buy: They’re a portable, easy-to-use version of a heart rate monitor that you can carry in your pocket or purse and use on the go.

Things to consider: Some experts believe fingertip heart rate monitors are not as accurate as the chest strap versions. Many fingertip monitors are small, so make sure you can easily read the display screen and operate any buttons.

What they are: Teas to address a particular digestion issue contain an ingredient, or combination of ingredients, such as:

• Ginger, fennel, fenugreek, or chamomile for nausea, indigestion, and heartburn (acid reflux)
• Peppermint for nausea (good for nausea, but may worsen heartburn)
• Parsley or fennel for gas and bloating
• Slippery elm or meadow sweet for intestinal discomfort and spasms
• Aloe, senna, cascara, or burdock root for constipation

Why to buy: Herbal teas are generally safe and easy to use, offer gentle relief for occasional digestion woes, and are relatively inexpensive.

Things to consider: Teas for constipation can have strong laxative effects in some people; start with a quarter to half cup serving and see how your body responds. Increase the dose as needed to relieve constipation. Pregnant women, people with kidney problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or those who are taking diuretic medications should consult their doctor before using digestion teas.

What they are: Natural digestion aids are available in capsule or tablet form and contain many of the same herbs found in digestion aid teas.

Why to buy: Digestion aid capsules are more convenient; they can be carried with you and taken anytime, without the need to boil water to make tea. Capsules may deliver a more concentrated dose of the active ingredient than tea.

Things to consider: As with teas, products for constipation can have strong laxative effects, so start slow and increase the dose only as needed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using these products if you are pregnant, or have kidney problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or take diuretic medications.