Childhood Obesity Newsletter 4m1s5h

What is childhood obesity? Since the 1970’s, the number of children with obesity in the United States has tripled. One in five children in the United States has obesity. Obesity is when a person has too much body fat.

You have probably heard your child’s doctor talk about their body mass index or BMI percentile. Your child’s doctor uses

growth charts to see if your child is a healthy weight for their age, sex, and height. 

BMI at or above 85th percentile and less than 95th percentile are considered overweight.



BMI at or above the 95th percentile are considered obese. Causes of Childhood Obesity  Nutrition

Is your child at risk of becoming overweight or obese? How much time your child spends sitting still in front of the computer, watching television, or playing video games plays a major role in their risk of becoming over-

weight or obese.

drinking more than the body needs, it leads to weight gain.

Our bodies use energy from foods and drinks for healthy growth and physical activity. If you are eating and

Encourage your child to be active for at least one hour a day and cut back on TV time.

 Lack of physical activity  Energy imbalance

 Environmental factors  Socioeconomic factors

How can you prevent childhood obesity? 

Encourage healthy eating.



 Increase fruit, vegetable, and

 Teach your child

whole grain intake.

the importance of healthy eating and physical activity

 Limit sugar and saturated fats

 Reduce sodas 

Educate

 Read food labels

together

Increase and physical activity

 Limit or avoid time in front of the

television.  Participate in at least an hour of

physical activity daily.

L o n g Te r m I m p a c t s of C h i l d ho o d O b e s i t y Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults and they are at risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Children with obesity are at higher risk for having: 

Breathing problems



Fatty liver disease



t problems



High blood pressure



High cholesterol



Anxiety and depression

Source: www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm

“Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” -Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona