Childhood Obesity Prevention

Do you have children? Are you concerned about their diet and health?

These tips are for you!

· The CDC reports that 18.5% of U.S. children are considered obese, having a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile.

· The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors.

· Not only can it affect their development and put their life at risk, but their social, physical, and mental health is also affected.

· Self-esteem is very important in children which can have either a positive or negative effect towards themselves and being teased, called names, and being bullied can affect their quality of life down the road.

Figure 1

See Figure 1 for 10 facts about childhood obesity: https://www.unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/article.aspx?id=a08c96a2-c311-40d3-8eee-93d15f92b7ef

Solution ideas to prevent childhood obesity:

1. Limit fast food, junk food, and sugary drinks.

2. Eat healthy but delicious food.

3. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables as snacks.

4. Follow appropriate serving sizes and food pyramid.

5. Read the nutrition facts on food items.

6. Incorporate physical activity daily.

7. Limit screen time.

8. Don’t eat in front of the TV or on the phone.

9. Healthy meal prep for children.

10. Drink lots of water.

Sara Othman takes full responsibility for the information posted. The information on this page represents that of Sara Othman and not that of California State University, Sacramento.