ChildhoodObesity

By Rachel Anderson

Childhood Obesity Approximately 17% of American children

aged 2-19 are obese.

That’s about 12.5 million kids.

The obesity rate since 1980 has almost tripled.

What causes Childhood Obesity?

Obesity is caused by eating more calories than are burned off.It can be prevented by a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

Other Factors

Some other factors contributing to childhood obesity include: Genetics Environment Diseases and

Medications A sedentary

lifestyle

Health Concerns Children who are overweight or obese have a

higher risk of developing many diseases and disorders, including: Diabetes Cancer Coronary Heart Disease Hypertension (high blood pressure) High cholesterol Stroke Liver Disease Gallbladder Disease Sleep Apnea Respiratory problems Osteoarthritis Gynecological problems

What is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index.

It is calculated from your height and weight.

It is a fairly reliable indicator of body fat, with athletes as the exception.

Understanding BMI

Children with the lowest and highest BMIs tend to have the greatest health risks.

Children have different BMI calculations than adults because body fat distribution differs at various ages.

For kids, use the “BMI Percentile Calculator for Children and Teens” at the American Dietetic Association website.

Healthy Eating

Children in America generally do not receive the proper nutrition needed for a healthy lifestyle.

Sugary drinks and fast food are major contributors to the growing number of obese children.

A Healthy Diet… Is low in saturated

fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugars.

Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.

Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

Healthy Eating Tips

Know your fats- Most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Variety- Eating a variety of food from different food groups will get ensure that you get the nutrients you need.

Make calories count- Eat nutrient-rich foods.

The Nutrition Facts Panel

Calories and Fat- Watch out for foods high in fat and calories.

Percent Daily Values- These are the percentages based on a 2000-calorie diet. 5% or less is low, 20% or more is high.

Limit fat, sodium, and cholesterol.

Look for foods high in fiber, Vitamin A and C, calcium, and iron.

Popular Marketing Terms “Natural-” contains no

added colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances

“Whole”- not processed or refined, no added ingredients

“Organic”- made with no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation; or, the animal was feed no antibiotics or growth hormones

A Healthy StartA healthy breakfast for children should include: Protein

Lean meats, eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter

Nutritious whole grains Cereals, muffins,

breads, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal

Fruits and Vegetables Bananas, apples,

veggie omelets

How to Make a Nutritious Meal

Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Fill a quarter of the plate with whole grains.

Fill the remaining quarter with protein.

Low-fat milk and water are the healthiest choices for a beverage.

Smart Snacks Fruits and Vegetables

Try a variety- dried, canned, frozen or fresh

Nuts or peanut butter Popcorn Whole-grain crackers Pretzels Yogurt Trail mix

Tips for Picky Eaters

Let kids help plan and prepare meals; they’ll be more likely to try new foods.

Make sure it looks appealing- use bright colors and fun shapes.

Body Image A positive body image

can help prevent children from becoming obese.

Don’t obsess over weight- yours included.

Focus on health. Try to encourage

children to consume more nutrients.

Children should not be counting calories.

Physical Activity Children should

participate in at least an hour of physical activity a day.

This should be made up of… Aerobic activities-

running, walking, playing Muscle strengthening

activities- push-ups, gymnastics

Bone strengthening activities- jumping rope, running.

Ways to Get Moving Swimming Dancing,

gymnastics, cheerleading

Sports Organized play

(hopscotch, dodge ball, frisbee)

Family activities (walking, biking, running)

Playing

Works Cited Eatright.org

Cdc.gov

Kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/healthy_snacks