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About 1 in 6 (17%) children in the United States has obesity. With September being National Childhood Obesity Month, we can take a stand to educate the public in learning more about this serious health condition.  As such, there are a few simple ways to support children in our community to achieve the best healthy habits possible.

You may ask the question, “Why should I worry about it too much?”  Perhaps you have the attitude that my child will eventually grow out of his or her “baby fat” phase. While in some cases, this may be true, it is also important to make sure that we, as adults, point children in the right direction early on in life.

Why It Can Be A Problem

Children with obesity are at higher risk for having health conditions and diseases later on in life. Issues which occur in adults, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes, could develop at earlier stages in life. They also may have more risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol than normal weight children of the same age.

Children with obesity can be the subjects of bullies, being teased more in school and during extracurricular functions. They are also more likely to be withdrawn, depressed, and have lower self-esteem.

Children with obesity are more likely to be obese as adults. This can lead to lifelong physical and mental health problems. Adult obesity is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many types of cancers.

Many factors can have an impact on childhood obesity

Too much time spent being inactive

Lack of sleep: See following for recommendations.

Infant (4–12 months) =12–16 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

Toddler (1–2 years) =11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

Pre-school (3–5 years) =10–13 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

School Age (6–12 years) = 9–12 hours per 24 hours

Teen (13–18 years) = 8–10 hours per 24 hours

Adult (18–60 years) = 7 or more hours per night

Lack of places to go in the community to get physical activity

Eating out of boredom, not eating on a schedule, or having snacks available at any time. In other words, easy access to inexpensive, high calorie foods and sugary beverages: See following for recommendations.

Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products

Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products, including cheese and yogurt

Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein

Encourage your family to drink lots of water

Limit sugary drinks

Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat

Lack of access to affordable, healthier foods

There Are Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Obesity and Support Healthy Growth in Children

Be aware of your child’s growth. Continue to make well-child visits with his or her pediatrician, not just when your child is sick. Ask for a copy of your child’s growth chart.

Help children get the recommended amount of physical activity each day. Remember to put time limits on household screens such as, televisions, computers, phones, and iPads. Limit the time children watch television, play video games, or surf the web to no more than 2 hours per day

Assign household chores to your child for developing good habits in the future.

Remember to not use the word “diet” with your child. It is important to learn ways of promoting healthy growth in children to prevent obesity.

Information derived from the Centers for Disease Control Features https://www.cdc.gov/features/childhoodobesity/index.html

Clark County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including Cooper Clayton, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well child care/immunizations, and home health care.  For more information on all of our service, please call 859/744-4482 or visit our website at www.clarkhealthdept.org.  You can also “like” us on Facebook.