Data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that 11.9 percent of U.S. children ages 2 to 19 are obese. Children who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of developing such chronic conditions as diabetes, heart disease and cancer during their adult years. Health care providers, parents and community leaders can reduce these risks by engaging in healthy habits.
Screening For Obesity
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine assessment of body mass index (BMI) in all children over the age of 2. Physicians need to address increasing rates of BMI percentiles with parents before it gets to 95 percent or more, indicating the child is overweight and at risk for obesity. Doctors should also address at-risk children. Those who are at risk for being overweight and obese include children whose parents are obese, children with a brother or sister who is obese, families with a low income, and children who have chronic conditions that limit physical activity.
Follow the 5-2-1-0 Principle
A child's health can be improved by eating five fruits and vegetables every day, limiting television and computer time to two ours a day or less, ensuring one hour of physical activity a day, and no consumption of sugar sweetened beverages. Parents should also role model healthy eating and physical activity, not allow a television in their child's bedroom, choose low-fat dairy products and water over soda and juice, eat and prepare meals together, and limit juice consumption to 4 to 6 oz of 100 percent juice for all kids under 6 years.
Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Schools should incorporate healthy eating and exercise into the curriculum, offer only healthy alternatives in all vending machines, limit access to unhealthy foods, promote walking or biking to school, and offering recess before lunch. Communities should provide safe playgrounds and promote exercise and physical activity in neighborhoods.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Prevalence of High Body Mass Index in US Children and Adolescents, 2007-2008; Cynthia L. Ogden; January 2010
- "Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2008
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Overweight and Obesity
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