IN THIS ISSUE
NOT JUST BABY FAT:
DEALING WITH CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Obesity in children has become one of the biggest public health concerns in the United States today, and the medical community has begun to focus on earlier recognition and prevention strategies for children. The most recent national surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 16% of American children are obese and an additional 32% are overweight.
Since the early 1980s, obesity among 2–5 year olds has increased steadily, which is especially worrisome because children who are obese most often remain overweight into adulthood. For this reason, it is important to start as early as possible to prevent the risks of childhood obesity. A recent study conducted at EVMS of children in one South Hampton Roads clinic indicated that approximately half the obese children at the clinic became overweight by 2 years of age, and 90% were overweight by 5 years of age.
It is clear that the early years are crucial for children’s health, and that establishing a healthy lifestyle happens in the first 5 years of life. By collaborating with your pediatrician, your community and your family, there are some easy ways to help your child maintain a healthy weight during the early years and increase the likelihood that he will continue those good habits throughout his life.
1. Encourage healthy food choices: Encourage your child to try new and healthy foods by making them readily available. Remember that young children’s tastes change frequently, so if your daughter rejects a healthy snack, try reintroducing it in a few weeks. Try to steer clear of food struggles over “clean plates” and avoid using any kind of food as a reward or punishment.
2. Get your family moving: Children need both unstructured and structured playtime. A rule of thumb is a minimum of 30 minutes structured activity per day and at least one hour unstructured play for children aged 1–3 years. For 3–5 year olds, provide a minimum of one hour structured activity and several hours of unstructured play. Playing at neighborhood parks is wonderful, but children can also “help” in the garden or walk beside the stroller on errands for some extra activity. And don’t forget indoor play. If you can, make a space in your home for children to jump and dance.
3. Be an advocate for your child: Support and use neighborhood playgrounds, bike paths and farmers markets. Be involved with your local schools or childcare programs to find out what types of foods are served in the cafeteria and how much PE or recess time children are getting. Make sure local officials and decision-makers know that healthy choices for your children are important to you.
4. Set the example: Children look to you as a role model for both eating habits and activity level, so make it work to your advantage and get involved. Playing with your child is a perfect opportunity to give him positive one-on-one attention, strengthening your bond and making sure he gets the chance to burn off some extra toddler energy. We could all probably benefit from more exercise, and isn’t playing chase with a preschooler more fun than doing crunches on your own?
Sources: John Harrington, EVMS; www.aap.org; www.cdc.gov
READY FOR SCHOOL
READY FOR LIFE