High Point, NC 27265
Taking Control Of Childhood Obesity
Over the last 30 years the rate of childhood obesity has doubled for preschool children, and tripled for kids age 6-11 (Peterson). Currently there are nearly 9 million children over age 6 that are considered obese.
Some research groups hold fast food restaurants like McDonald’s most responsible, claiming that including toys in “Happy Meals” is a deceptive way to advertise unhealthy food to children. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a non-profit organization, even sent McDonald’s a letter of intent to sue over this matter last year (Peterson).
Beyond the increase in processed food, kids and adults alike simply aren’t burning enough calories. With the advance of cell phones, computers, video games, Facebook, etc., there is less outdoor activity that used to balance a higher calorie lifestyle.
Risks Of Childhood Obesity
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Greater risk of bone and joint problems during development
- Sleep apnea & poor self esteem
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, esophageal, kidney, pancreas, thyroid and prostate cancer.
Type 2 Diabetes In Children
Obesity increases the risk of diabetes in all age brackets, but the number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has increased. For a long time it was viewed as an “adult disease”, but about 151,000 people below age 20 have diabetes.
Each year more than 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It can go unnoticed for a long time because symptoms are usually mild in children, and some of the warning signs simply aren’t apparent. Since blood tests are needed for diagnosis, it’s not typically caught on any type of routine exam.
Preventing Childhood Obesity and Diabetes
- Increase the use of healthy snacks
- Reduce portion sizes at meals
- Whenever possible, stay away from foods containing fructose
- Limit use of television, video games, and Facebook
- Increase physical activity – even chores like folding laundry and caring for pets help
- Sporting activities
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Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda2.htm
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