Carbs?

Question
Laura
My 16 year old daughter is overweight but not obese.
She seems to carry most of her weight on her thighs and upper arms.
She eats normally, as I have other kids to compare her to.
She does however eat a lot of carbs and very little meat or fruits or veggies.
Are the carbs the problem? If it wasnt for pasta and potatoes she wouldnt eat.
Also, could there be a genetic component?
I (her Dad) have a similar body type but I am not as fat. I also eat a lot of carbs as I always thought low fat/ meat was the healthy way to eat.
Maybe she and I are geneticly programed to store those carbs?
Should we switch to low carb?
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Van, In my opinion, carbs are the culprit and here's why: foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates stimulate insulin production as they are digested. Carb foods like potato, pasta, fruit juices, cookies, crackers, white bread, bagels, mac and cheese, etc., are quickly broken down into sugar. Sugar stimulates insulin production, and fat is easily stored due to insulin production. Meats and fats do not stimulate insulin production, and since you need insulin to store fat, those foods are less likely to make you fat.
Growing teenagers do need some carbs, as sugar is the brain's main food. The body can make carbs from protein and fat, but small amount of healthy carbs like whole fruit, vegetables, salads, whole grain anything is recommended.
Yes to the genetic component to storing fat from carbs, just like there is a genetic component to type two diabetes in families. Limiting unhealthy carbs can control fat storage and can help prevent type two diabetes, or insulin sensitivity. A lower carb or healthy carb diet is the way to go. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com

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