In the past 4 decades, obesity has increased dramatically in all age groups. This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth so greatly that it is now considered an epidemic. More than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight. (4) This puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for many diseases.
Let’s take at the health risks for children:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one CVD risk factor, and 39% had two or more (2)
- Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma
- Joint problems
- Psychological stress such as depression, behavioral problems, and issues in school
- Low self-esteem and low self-reported quality of life
- Impaired social, physical, and emotional functioning
These risks are normally associated with adults but unfortunately now seem to be very common with the younger generation. As the epidemic starts in childhood, it continues into adulthood unless otherwise prevented. Children who have obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults.
Childhood obesity is influenced by many factors:
- Lots of video games/tv time which decrease amount of physical activity
- No specific bedtime which can decrease amount of sleep
- Easy access to high calorie food and drink
- Little access to healthy foods
How do we help make changes?
It’s important to create an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle and efforts should focus on healthy eating and physical activity. Educate kids on the importance of being active and teaching them that physical activity has great benefits such as increasing bone, decreasing blood pressure and helps to increase self esteem. Set an example for physical activity. Children should be active 60 minutes per day on most days of the week and that includes things like walking, hiking, swimming, dancing and jumping rope. Try geocaching and learn all about it from our August newsletter here.
As for diet, provide plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low fat milk. Serve reasonably sized portions. Turn some favorite dishes into lower fat and calorie versions.
The month of September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The month allows a greater emphasis on building awareness and taking action to help make positive changes and start some new trends. You are the role model for your kids. If you exercise and eat well and stay active they will see that.
Have more questions as how you can help? Contact us.
References:
- “September is National Childhood Obesity Month”. Accessed 10, July 2015. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/features/childhoodobesity/
- “Childhood Obesity Causes and Consequences”. Accessed 10, July 2015. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html
- “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Tips for Parents and Caretakers. Accessed 10, July 2015. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/ChildhoodObesity/Preventing-Childhood-Obesity-Tips-for-Parents-and-Caretakers_UCM_456118_Article.jsp
- “Childhood Obesity Facts”. Accessed 10, July 2015. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
- Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
