Raising a Healthier Generation: 

Preventing Childhood Obesity

The Facts 

• 1 in 5 children is overweight or obese by age 6
• In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese
• Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years
• If one parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance that a child will also be obese, but when both parents are obese, a child has an 80 percent chance of being obese
• Overweight is more prevalent in girls than in boys and increases as children get older
• IT IS PREVENTABLE

What are the Effects?

There are several medically and health related effects of childhood obesity.

            Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

            Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes

            Bone and joint problems

            Sleep apnea

            Long term risk of developing cancers, stroke, heart disease, and osteoarthritis

The effects people in our communities often do not recognize, however, are those that affect a child’s psychological being and disrupt their social lives at a crucial period of development.

            Low self-esteem

            Social discrimination by peers

            Distorted body image and eating disorders may develop

            Decreased self-worth and depression

            Grades falling in school

What can we do?

Childhood obesity has several causes and genetics plays a small role in its development. This means that the disease is preventable when the entire community is involved. The epidemic cannot be blamed on parents alone, but instead must be recognized as a community wide issue that involves all the facets of a child’s environment. Changes must be made in the home, at school, at camps, and in the media. Children are frequently subject to the decisions made for them by parents, teachers, supervisors, etc. and are easily influenced by the environment around them. It is the job of everyone in the community to make the changes with the children and guide our country to raise a healthier youth. Some of the most notable ways to promote healthy changes include:

            Decreasing screen time (television, computers, video games, etc.)

            Encouraging physical activity, like going for walks or bike rides

            Encouraging more nutritious food and beverage choices at home and in schools      

            Establishing portion control at snack and meal times

            Involving children in meal planning, food shopping, and meal preparation

The number one way to encourage these healthier habits and turn a child’s lifestyle around is to be a good role model. A child needs the support of his/her family, teachers, and peers in making successful changes. Enjoy physical activity as a family, promote healthier eating by removing unhealthy foods from the house and fill it up with nutritious options, eat meals as a family, and demonstrate that a healthy lifestyle is an exciting and positive change. 

Have you made any changes to your child’s eating habits and has it helped? Comment and share!