September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is a major public health problem in the United States. One in six children in the U.S. is overweight or obese, affecting about 13.7 million children and adolescents. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once usually seen mainly in adults.
Children with obesity are at higher risk for having chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. They also have more risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, than their normal-weight peers. They are also more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression and lower self-esteem.
Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, causing health risks later in life. Adult obesity is associated with a number of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Childhood obesity is influenced by many factors, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, family and home environment, and community and social factors. Obesity may be influenced by:
- Too little physical activity
- Lack of sleep
- Easy access to inexpensive, high calorie foods and sugary beverages
- Lack of access to affordable, healthier foods
- Lack of access to recreational facilities in the community
Addressing childhood obesity requires the support of parents, healthcare providers and the community. We can all take part in the effort to encourage children to be more physically active and to eat healthier. Learn tips to help your child eat healthier and be physically active.
What parents can do:
- Be aware of your child’s growth. Learn how obesity is measured in children.
- Provide nutritious, lower-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables in place of foods high in added sugars and fats.
- Make sure water is always available as an alternative to sugary beverages, and limit juice intake.
- Help children get the recommended amount of physical activity. Children should get at least 60 minutes or more of exercise each day with age-appropriate activities.
- Be a good role model! Make sure adults in the family eat healthy meals and snacks, and get the right amount of physical activity every day.
What community groups can do:
- Ensure that neighborhoods have low-cost physical activity opportunities such as parks, trails, and community
centers. - Offer easy access to safe, free drinking water and healthy, affordable food options.
- Through community action, strategies can be developed to provide nutrition education to parents and facilitate partnerships to make fresh produce more easily available and affordable to its rural residents. The Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership (HSMP) is a local, community-driven coalition of public and private partners working together to address priority health issues for St. Mary’s County. One of its action teams, Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL), brings together partners to coordinate action around healthy eating, active living and weight management for all residents in St. Mary’s County. Community members are encouraged to join!
What early education centers and schools can do:
- Adopt policies and practices that support healthy eating, regular physical activity, and limited screen time.
- Provide opportunities for students to learn about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, and help them practice these behaviors.
To learn more tips for helping your child maintain a healthy weight, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.