Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Background:
Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem globally. The prevalence of obesity among youth has been increasing steadily. Children who are overweight or obese are likely to stay obese into adulthood and are at risk to develop obesity-related serious health problems including early puberty, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, and orthopedic issues. These complications may lead to early death. Also, youth with overweight or obesity are at risk to develop psychological diseases such as depression, poor body image, eating disorders, and behavioral and learning disorders.
Overweight and obesity, as well as obesity-related diseases, are largely preventable. To reverse the pediatric obesity epidemic, as a community we should focus on supporting healthy eating habits and active living lifestyles for our children in every setting including our houses, daycares, schools, etc.
Goals:
Increase community knowledge in pediatric obesity and complications
Increase community knowledge in pediatric obesity prevention
Objectives:
To advocate activities to increase community knowledge in pediatric obesity and related complications, and its prevention.
Potential projects:
Organize daycare/school/library/YMCA or non-profit organization events to promote community knowledge in pediatric obesity and related complications and its prevention.
Distribute handouts to the local community to promote community knowledge in pediatric obesity and related complications, and its prevention.
Organize local fitness activities
10 tips for parents to reduce the rate of pediatric obesity:
Role modeling is very important. Remember parental obesity is a risk factor for pediatric obesity!
Eat 5 portions of vegetables and fruits a day
Avoid high fat and high sugar diet
Be very active as a family. At least 60 min per day 5 days of the week
Avoid sugary beverages such as juice or soda
Limit screen time <2 hours per day
Avoid excess parental control over children’s eating
Never use food as a reward or punishment!
Make meals enjoyable
Think positive!
Web Sources:
https://obesitymedicine.org/clinician-resources/pediatric-obesity-resources/
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ten-tips-build-healthy-mealtime-habits
https://ihcw.aap.org/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/healthcare/index.html
https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/team-nutrition
http://ohioaap.org/projects/PMP
Overweight and Obesity Treatment and Prevention Resources
https://www.doctoryum.org
https://www.childrenshospitals.org/-/media/Files/CHA/Main/Issues_and_Advocacy/Key_Issues/Child_Health/Obesity/FFF/fff_survival_guide_obesity_120110.pdf
Family resources:
http://www.obesityaction.org/understanding-obesity-in-children
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/managing-obesity
http://weighinguide.com/index.html
https://mymunchbug.com
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/about-wecan/background.htm
http://www.strong4life.com
http://ohioaap.org/projects/PMP