Childhood ObesityChildhood ObesityGeorgia CTAE Resource Network

Instructional Resources OfficeWritten By: Landis Hicks

July 2009

IntroductionIntroduction

Using www.unitedstreaming.com you may download videos related to this unit. A first time user will have to enter a user name and password from the school. Most school systems should one, check in the media center. Enter "Childhood obesity" into the search bar and it will bring up many to choose from. You download it either into a video in whole or a video by segments onto your hard drive then can add them into PowerPoint or whatever as needed.

StatisticsStatistics

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16% of children aged 6 to 19 are overweight

The percentage has tripled since 1980 An additional 15% are considered “at risk”

for becoming overweight (defined by a body mass index between the 85th-95th percentile

The ConcernThe Concern

As a result, there is an increase in many health problems

Epidemic increase particularly prevalent among African American and Hispanic children with 21% of these groups meeting the classification of overweight.

Estimated that about ½ of overweight school-agers and 70% of overweight teens will remain obese into adulthood

Defining ObesityDefining Obesity

Being obese or overweight means that a child’s weight is over the 95th percentile on the BMI-for-age-charts for children (Body Mass Index).

When a child’s weight rises steeply in comparison to height, overweight or obesity may be indicated.

BMI formula for childrenBMI formula for children

Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703 When using English measurements, ounces

(oz) and fractions must be changed to decimal values. Then, calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.

Health Problems…Health Problems…

Diabetes Heart disease Cancer Stroke

Other Problems Social problems Low self-esteem

Arthritis Gallstones Sleep apnea Asthma Complications

during pregnancy

CausesCauses

To some extent, genetics (shape & size, body build, bone size)

Slower metabolism rates

More Likely…. Sedentary activities Poor eating habits established early Decreased community access to safe places for

physical activities Busy lifestyles = convenience foods (fast food)

www.supersizeme.com

Poor Food ChoicesPoor Food Choices

According to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)- a scale that measures 10 components of a healthful diet, most children have a diet that “needs improvement.”

As children move preschool through adolescence, HEI scores decrease from an average of 75.7 for 2-3 year olds to around 60 for teenagers. (An overall score of 80 is considered a “good” diet.

More than 75% of children ages 6-11 do not eat the minimum of 3 servings of vegetables or 2 servings of fruit daily.

Children have especially low intakes of the nutrient-rich dark green leafy and deep yellow vegetables and nutrient-dense citrus fruits, melon and berries.

Poor Choices Continued…Poor Choices Continued…

Fewer than ½ of youngsters take in the recommended amount of calcium to maximize their lifetime bone development.

At a time when they need calcium the most, kids are choosing soft drinks over dairy products and potato chips over broccoli.

Total daily calorie intake from snacks has risen from an avg. of 450 to 600 calories per day over the past two decades.

VarietyVariety

USDA’s My Pyramid/MyPlateWhole-fat dairy for children under 2“Now and Then” foods vs. “Everyday”

foodsHealthy snack ideasChoking hazards

www.mypyramid.gov

www.dole5aday.com

Mealtime ConflictsMealtime Conflicts

Offer healthy meals and snacks at regularly scheduled times

Child-sized portions, plates, cups, and utensils

Allow your child to choose when or whether to eat

Offer new foods 10-15 timesDon’t force/bribe child to eat

www.nutritionforkids.com

Food AdventuresFood Adventures

Include child in shopping and meal preparation

Eat meals sitting down togetherAllow your child to explore foodMake fun healthy foods together

www.kidshealth.org

InactivityInactivity

Kids spend large chucks of time in front of the television, video games, and computers.

Studies have documented a clear connection between the time spent watching TV and the levels of both body fat and blood cholesterol in kids.

Nearly half of American youth ages 12-21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis.

Healthy HabitsHealthy Habits

One hour total of playtime1-2 hours or less of screen time/dayWise fast food choicesQuick and healthy homemade mealsBe active together as a family

www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhard