Advocacy Webpage

Eliminate Child Hood Obesity

Currently there is an estimated 15% of children age 11-15 considered to be obese and another 15% “at-risk” in categorized obese

The number of overweight youth has more than doubled since 1970’s.

                                                               

 

Obesity in children 30 years ago was a problem;

The problem has now become a crisis.

 

 

What can help stop this epidemic?

·      Young children can be encouraged from the classroom to the kitchen table to eat right and exercise more

·      Schools can take the initiative to promote healthy eating styles

·      PE classes can be a priority in education

·      Parents need to be educated on healthy eating habits to encourage

	Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight/obese adults   This increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese
			2/3 of Americans are overweight, up from half that just twenty years ago

 

 

 

 

 

 

This epidemic not only affects individuals but places a toll on society. With children getting heavier, they are developing diseases doctors used to see only in adults. 

 

	Interventions: Begin early in overweight children tow years of age or older Physicians should educate families about medical complications of obesity Physicians should encourage and empathize, not criticize Involve the family and caregivers in treatment plan Treatment program should help family make small gradual changes Treatment program should include learning to monitor and eating activity
			High medical costs due to obesity related illnesses in children have more than tripled since the 1970’s, from 35 billion to 117 billion in 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on Childhood Obesity;

Look at these other websites

·        American Obesity Association; www.obesity.org/subs/childhood/

·        NSW Health Page; http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/obesity/adult/what_to_do.html

·         Activities for children to do; http://www.grandmashealthykidsclub.com/

·        BUPA webpage; http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/child_obesity.html