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Want A Solution to the Fat Virus- Keep the Family Happy

By Sandy Di Iorio, RPRN staff writer  

WASHINGTON,D.C.(RPRN)03/19/09 - Last January, news outlets throughout the world reported that a study proved obesity could be produced not only by poor eating habits and genetics, but through the "fat virus." Reports stated that this virus can be caught as easily as a common cold from other people's coughs, sneezes and dirty hands.

Nikhil Dhurandhar, an associate professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University, said the virus, known as AD-36, is a highly infectious disease which spreads from the lungs to the rest of the body, forcing fat cells to replicate. "This may explain why fat tissues expand, and how people are becoming obese with the virus," Dhurandhar said. This news left many people wondering what could be done to prevent the spread of this 'virus'.

Some solutions to prevent or combat this epidemic are lifestyle changes, according to Celia Kibler, President of Funfit, headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Kibler, a maverick in childhood fitness, and manages all operations, as well as teaches many classes, with a special focus on family-inclusive programming. Kibler said, "Scientists are claiming that weight gain is one of the symptoms for the virus, and it happens to be a symptom found in other viruses as well." She also states "a sedentary lifestyle is still a direct product of weight gain, thus my program emphasizes on the importance of fun and play, creating a desire for kids and families to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle."

The prevention is still the same as with any other virus, she says, "As one must adopt healthy eating habits, exercise, rest, and limited stress, which are essential to protect families from the virus, as well as from obesity." The general philosophy for Kibler is to include parents in every activity, not only allowing them the opportunity to exercise, but to reinforce the importance of the family unit as active role models and the global need for fitness for all ages.

Keeping the virus might be more complicated than washing your hands regularly but good eating habits and an active lifestyle should keep that bug away.