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Childhood Obesity
Awareness
Childhood Obesity Is a Major Public Health
Problem
About 1 in 6 (17%) children in the United States has obesity.
With September being National Childhood Obesity Month, we can take a stand to
educate the public in learning more about this serious health condition. As such, there are a few simple ways to
support children in our community to achieve the best healthy habits possible.
You may ask the question, "Why should I worry about it too
much?” Perhaps you have the attitude
that my child will eventually grow out of his or her "baby fat” phase. While in
some cases, this may be true, it is also important to make sure that we, as
adults, point children in the right direction early on in life.
Why It Can Be A
Problem
Children with obesity are at higher risk for having health
conditions and diseases later on in life. Issues which occur in adults, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and
joint problems, and type 2 diabetes, could develop at earlier stages in life.
They also may have more risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure
and high cholesterol than normal weight children of the same age.
Children with obesity
can be the subjects of bullies, being teased more in school and during
extracurricular functions. They are also more likely to be withdrawn, depressed,
and have lower self-esteem.
Children with obesity
are more likely to be obese as adults. This can lead to lifelong physical and
mental health problems. Adult obesity is associated with a higher risk of type
2 diabetes, heart disease, and many types of cancers.
Many
factors can have an impact on childhood obesity
·
Too much time spent
being inactive
·
Lack of sleep: See
following for recommendations.
o
Infant (4–12 months) =12–16 hours per 24 hours
(including naps)
o
Toddler (1–2 years) =11–14 hours per 24 hours
(including naps)
o
Pre-school (3–5 years) =10–13 hours per 24 hours
(including naps)
o
School Age (6–12 years) = 9–12 hours per 24
hours
o
Teen (13–18 years) = 8–10 hours per 24 hours
o
Adult (18–60 years) = 7 or more hours per night
·
Lack of places to go
in the community to get physical activity
·
Eating out of boredom,
not eating on a schedule, or having snacks available at any time. In other
words, easy access to inexpensive, high calorie foods and sugary beverages: See
following for recommendations.
- Provide plenty of vegetables,
fruits, and whole-grain products
- Include low-fat or non-fat
milk or dairy products, including cheese and yogurt
- Choose lean meats, poultry,
fish, lentils, and beans for protein
- Encourage your family to drink
lots of water
- Limit sugary drinks
- Limit consumption of sugar and
saturated fat
·
Lack of access to
affordable, healthier foods
There Are Ways Parents Can Help Prevent
Obesity and Support Healthy Growth in Children
Be aware of your child’s growth. Continue to make well-child
visits with his or her pediatrician, not just when your child is sick. Ask for
a copy of your child’s growth chart. This link is a great resource for further
information. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html
Help children get the
recommended amount of physical activity each day. Remember to put time limits
on household screens such as, televisions, computers, phones, and iPads. Limit the time children watch television, play
video games, or surf the web to no more than 2 hours per day
Assign household
chores to your child for developing good habits in the future.
Remember to not use
the word "diet” with your child. It is important to learn ways of promoting
healthy growth in children to prevent obesity.
Information derived from the Centers for Disease Control
Features https://www.cdc.gov/features/childhoodobesity/index.html
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