Childhood

Obesity

Building Self esteem

Social stigmas can greatly affect a
persons self esteem. Studies have shown
that the teasing and taunting of obese
children has gotten worse. This type of
behavior can lead to depression which
can make it very difficult to implement
change to improve their situation.
Joining support groups or being involved
in social activities can help with both self
esteem and general social acceptance
issues. Many weight loss programs now
include psychological support along with
physical fitness and nutrition instruction.
Getting around the mental blockage that
keeps one from taking the steps necessary
to overcome obesity can be difficult but
rewarding. Obesity cannot be eradicated
with a diet or even just exercising until
the desired weight is reached. It takes a
change in lifestyle to create a healthier
individual.
Parents need to lead by example. Get the
kids out and break a sweat, eat colorful
food, and create environments that
exemplify positive reinforcement. A
healthy lifestyle not only ensures
longevity it creates a quality of life that
allows for the pursuit of fulfilling dreams.

CHOICES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

For more information on...

Childhood obesity
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/
obesity/index.htm
Lets Move Campaign
http://www.letsmove.gov/
Local resources for obesity issues
http://ccts.uth.tmc.edu/ccts-services/
resource-lists
We Can (ways to enhance childrens
activity and nutrition) Movement
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/
heart/obesity/wecan/index.htm
BMI calculator and explanations
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/
assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/
about_childrens_bmi.html
Physical Fitness ideas and explanations
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
exerciseforchildren.html
Created by Nina Singh
2011

Childhood obesity has been on the rise

for the past thirty years. It is arguably the
most preventable condition affecting our
youth today. We can greatly impact this
growing epidemic by educating ourselves
and our children with the knowledge
necessary to make healthy choices.

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as having a
BMI (body mass index) at or above the
95th percentile. BMI is a measurement
based in height and weight.
Why is childhood obesity a problem?

It is alarming to comprehend but
the rate of obesity among children has
tripled over the past three decades.
Obesity may not sound like a fatal
condition but it has the potential to cause
many health disparities which in turn can
shorten the life span of the individual.
Some health disparities include:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol

both of which can lead to heart

disease later in life.
- type 2 diabetes

is becoming more and more

prevalent among obese children.
- bone/joint problems

results from the added bearing of

weight which can potentially lead

to osteoporosis and/or other bone

and/or joint related problems later

in life.
- sleep apnea

is characterized by pauses in

breathing while asleep

accompanied by snoring. This

can cause decreased oxygen while

sleeping and fatigue during the

day.

- asthma

many experts believe there is a

connection between obesity and

asthma.
- social/psychological issues

are very under appreciated

aspects of being obese. Social

stigmas can lead to depression

which can add to other health

disparities greatly affecting the

quality of life.

What can be done?

Changes need to be made in three

main areas. Physical activity,

dietary behaviors, and building

self esteem and social

confidence.

Physical Activity
Since obesity is derived from the
consumption of more calories than are
expended being more physically active
can help regulate weight gain. The
American Academy of Pediatrics
recommend that children get at
least 30 minutes of physical
activity per day. It is also
recommended that those
who have been sedentary
start off slowly and
gradually increase
activity type
and duration.

Dietary Behaviors
What we eat and how much of it are of great
importance in preventing and dealing with
obesity. The USDA estimates that less than 2
percent of children in America eat a healthy
diet. As staggering as this may seem it also
makes sense. Children (and adults) are
bombarded with choices especially when it
comes to food. There are more fast food
restaurants conveniently placed than there are
supermarkets in metropolitan areas. The more
lower income your neighborhood the less
likely you are to find healthy food in the
vicinity. If we take the initiative to think
about what we choose to eat we can
maneuver around these setbacks. Control
of portion size and quality of food can

create a healthy way of eating that

can be beneficial to health.