I wrote a brief blog post last fall entitled "Our kids, Their futures" (http://fit-notes.blogspot.com/2012/10/our-kids-their-futures.html) that talked about the subject of overweight children in our society. We hear about this on the news from time to time, but see it in everyday life, all around us. This is a serious problem that will take a lot of effort (and some time) to correct... or at least get moving in the opposite direction.
According to the American Heart Association, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese today, nearly triple the rate in 1963. With good reason, childhood obesity is now the #1 health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking.
Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. Obese children are also more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. Bullying is rampant among kids of all ages and a child dealing with weight problems is unfortunately more of a target. Excess weight at young ages has been linked to higher and earlier death rates in adulthood. Crisis? Yes!
From the American Heart Association website: "Among American children ages 2–19, the following are overweight or obese, using the 95th percentile or higher of body mass index (BMI) values on the CDC growth chart:
For non-Hispanic whites, 31.9% of males and 29.5% of females.
For non-Hispanic blacks, 30.8% of males and 39.2% of females.
For Mexican Americans, 40.8% of males and 35.0% of females.
The prevalence of overweight (BMI-for-age values at or above the 95th percentile of the 2000 CDC growth charts) in children ages 6–11 increased from 4.0 percent in 1971–74 to 17.0 percent in 2003–06. The prevalence of overweight in adolescents ages 12–19 increased from 6.1 percent to 17.6 percent."
This is not the same America as it was when I grew up in the 70s and 80s. There was no such thing as Super Sized anything. There were a few convenience foods, but not nearly like today. We weren't on our butts all day with our noses to the screen and we didn't know what a "transfat" was. I think in this situation, it is helpful to look to the past to see what the differences were back then for kids regarding food and activity. Then, look at today and figure out what IS working to help these children and what is NOT? Don't keep repeating the things that aren't working. Of equal importance, we can't just sit by and think, "Oh well, this is just the way it is....we are too busy to worry about this. It's too much work." Childhood obesity is not something to adapt to. This is something that has to be changed.
If you are a parent of an overweight or obese child, maybe you are feeling like you've tried everything already. Your hands are thrown up in the air because you don't know what to do! Work with your pediatrician or a nutritionist for ideas. Find a support group of people in the same situation and exchange ideas. **Be a good model yourself of what healthy eating and activity looks like.** My guess is that you'll have to make some hard choices for your kids.....cutting way back on pop and juice. More whole natural foods, less fried, less white flour, white pasta, etc. YOU are the one that shops and cooks. Enlist your children to help cook and get more active as a family. Do SOMETHING more and just keep trying. This is so important.
I'm a mom, and I don't know what it's like to have an obese/overweight child. But I'm also a personal trainer and a concerned citizen that wants to help with this. I'm here to be supportive and give ideas. I'm willing to work with kids to inject exercise into their lives. It's always easier said than done.....this is a long road, but in the end, there will be healthy children with healthy futures.
