Prevelance of Childhood Obesity Tip Sheet Template

Spring! Perfect time for you and your child to get active!

Are you feeling a little couped up after the winter months? If so, it is likely that your children are too. In most areas of the country the weather is now getting more suitable for outdoor activities. You may have noticed a slight increase in your weight and possibly your child's weight over the past few months. You should be concerned about both your weight and your childs. Reports on childhood obesity indicate that children are not getting appropriate nutrition and activity to outgrow added pounds.

Prevelence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity:

Nearly 15% of children ages 6-19 years are overweight or obese according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1999-2000. The prevelence of overweight children and adolescents has doubled over the past 20 years.

Determining Overweight in Children:

Body mass index (BMI) can be used to determine if children are overweight. Children and adolescents who are above the 95th percentile on the BMI-for-age-growth charts are classified as overweight.

Pediatricians and parents should track a childs BMI over time to recognize shifts in weight and identify potential problems.

Here are links to tools for determining a child's BMI and percentile.

Online calculator found at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/cnrc/consumer/nyc/vol1_03/bmi_calculator.htm
Center for Disease Control (CDC) BMI Calculator http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm
Download BMI-for-age-growth charts from the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhanes/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm

Health Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Early onset of Type II Diabetes
Heart Disease
Hypertension
Greater risk of obesity in adulthood
Poor self-esteem and depression

Why are so many children overweight?

Lack of physical activity in schools and at home
Greater acess to poor food choices that increases calorie intake
Highly influenced by media and advertising
Poor role modeling by adults

What can we do?

Be a role model for healthy eating and daily physical activity
Do not use food as a reward or to keep children busy when bored
Encourage children to be active in sports and provide equipment (i.e. bike, jump rope, basketball) for physical activity at home instead of sedentary activities (i.e. computer games, television)
Provide healthy food choices for snacks (i.e. fruits, low-fat string cheese or yogurt, pretzels)
Lobby our legislatures to require daily physical activity classes in schools for all ages and provide nutritious food options in the schools

Benefits of Physical Activity

Improved academic performance
Improved concentration and attention
Improved self-esteem and self-worth
Maintenance of appropriate weight
Sleep better
Less sick days, therefore better school attendance
Better bones and prevention of adult type chronic illness

Additional resources:

Tips Sheets

Childhood Obesity

Calcium for Weight Loss

Measuring Body Composition

Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

Organic Foods

Don't Let Your Vacation Spoil