Obesity Prevention in American Children Blaire Jones | Arkansas State University | blaire.jones@smail.astate.edu
What is Childhood Obesity? Obesity is defined as an abnormal amount of fat accumulation that may impair a persons health. Childhood Obesity is when a child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 95 th percentile for children of their age and sex. When considering the child’s BMI , doctors go off of a health chart that takes in to consideration the child’s age, height and sex. When a child has a BMI that is in the 85 th percentile or more, they are considered overweight. This is when actions should be taken.
Body Mass Index Chart
1. Tennessee 6. Alabama 37.7% overweight 35.5% overweight 2. North Dakota 7. West Virginia 37.1% overweight 35.1% overweight 3. Mississippi 8. Louisiana 37% overweight 34% overweight 4. Florida 9. Arkansas 36.6% overweight 33.9% overweight 5. Rhode Island 10. Indiana 36.3% overweight 33.9% overweight State Rankings As of 2016, a study show that these are the top ten states who have the highest percentage of children diagnosed with obesity.
A closer look Symptoms of Obesity in Children: • Appearance • Gastrointestinal • Oily skin • Constipation • Excessive Acne • Acid Reflux • Early break outs • Other: • Acne on areas • Early menstrual cycle in other than face girls • Stretch marks on skin • Before age 8 • Hips • Delayed puberty in boys • Legs • Later than age 16 • Fatty tissue deposition • Shortness of breath • Psychological • Flat feet • Low self-esteem • Sleep Apnea • Depression
Common Causes Genetic Factors • Family History • Studies show that children of obese parents are most likely to become obese Lack of Physical Activity • Advances in technology • Kids have phones/tablets at younger ages • Young boys prefer to play video games • Highly competitive sport teams • Coaches are teaching kids to win • Kids aren’t being taught how to have fun • Life Style • Children are not being taught how to be active • Children are not encouraged to go outside and play
Common Causes Medical Conditions • Hormonal Imbalances • Hypothyroidism • The child has an underactive thyroid • Polycystic ovary syndrome • Cysts on ovaries • Hypopituitarism • The pituitary gland does not make certain horomones Unhealthy Eating Patterns • Busy Parents • Fast food • Parents are not taking the time to teach the importance of healthy eating • Children are not aware of the risks of unhealthy eating • They are learning habits early
Negative Effects • Diabetes Obesity Consequences out of 500 • 1/3 of obese children children have diabetes High • Asthma Blood • 1/3 of obese children Pressure have asthma Diabetes 16% • Eating Disorders 21% • 2/3 of obese children have eating disorders Asthma Eating • Hypertension 21% Disorder • ¼ of obese children have 42% high blood pressure
How to prevent obesity
Portion Control Grains Fruits Dairy • • • 6-11 servings per day 2-3 servings per day 2-3 servings per day • • • About 8 ounces a day About 12 ounces a day About 24 ounces a day • • • 4 ounces should be Banana Milk • • whole grain Apple Cheese • • • Bread Blueberry Yogurt • • Rice Cucumbers • Pasta Vegetables Protein Sweets • • • 2-3 servings per day 2 servings per day 1 serving per day • • • About 16 ounces a day About 6 ounces a 1 ounce a day • • Spinach day Cookies • • • Carrots Chicken Cakes • • • Peas Turkey Brownies • • Corn Nuts • Fish
How to Teach Healthy Eating Encourage Kids • Involve Kids in meals • Allow kids to help cook • Allow them to choose which foods to eat • Ask them what they would like you to cook • Encourage kids to play outside Be a Role Model • Set a good example for kids to follow • If kids watch you eating unhealthy foods, they will choose to eat unhealthy as well • Kids learn from watching • If parents are out and active daily, they will choose to be as well • When parents portion meals, kids learn to not overeat
Resources Childhood Obesity Foundation Food Guide for Children State Rankings Late Puberty Early Puberty Family Health Guide Symptoms and Causes Healthy Eating
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