In America, childhood obesity has increased threefold over the last thirty years. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), obesity has increased from 6.5% to 19.6% in children age 6-11; and has increased from 5.0% to 18% in adolescents age 12-19. These numbers are alarming and put children at risk for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. In America, childhood obesity is attributed to many factors, genetics being number one, it is most commonly caused by a caloric imbalance. Quite simply it is caused by too many calories taken in and not enough calories expended.
Childhood Past to Present
Capture the Flag. Cops and Robbers. Double Dutch. Hopscotch. Leapfrog. Red Rover. Tag. These are just some of the traditional childhood games that have all but disappeared over the years. Outdoor childhood games have been replaced with indoor sedentary pastimes. In the late 70s early 80s, around the same time the obesity numbers began to increase, home gaming systems were introduced. Beginning with Atari in the 1980s and continuing with Nintendo, Playstation and Xbox in the 1990s and beyond, this trend has led to a more sedentary lifestyle for children. While television had been around for several decades prior, around this time was when syndicated cable became prevalent and the number of channels to tune into increased from just a few to a few dozen. At the same time, the personal computer began to invade households, the World Wide Web exploded, cell phones and texting became all the rage and children had plenty of reasons not to head outdoors.
In addition to the reduced activity, poor nutrition is an additional factor that has caused the sharp rise in the obesity levels in our children. The accessibility of fast food restaurants, vending machines appearing in the schools, sugary cereals laden with high fructose corn syrup and snacks overloaded with hydrogenated and saturated fats are some of the poor nutritional choices that have lead to childhood obesity. The typical American family is busy juggling school, work and extracurricular activities leaving little time to prepare healthy meals and adding to the obesity problem. Portion sizes have also gotten much larger over time. With the compound effect of the typical American child eating more and being active less, it is no wonder obesity levels have climbed so drastically.
Fight Against Childhood Obesity in America
With childhood obesity at epic levels many programs are being put in place to help combat and put an end to the epidemic. One such program, Let’s Move, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, hopes to be the catalyst to abolish obesity in a generation. The Let’s Move program is an initiative that hopes to tackle all of the contributing causes that affect childhood obesity. In America, childhood obesity programs plan to bring together families, schools and the community to work together to fight this issue.
As a parent some steps that you can take today to get your child on a healthy track include preparing healthy meals at home, limit the amount of television or indoor activity your child gets and incorporate more outdoor activities together as a family. Encourage your child’s school to teach the importance of healthy nutrition and physical activity. Get involved to make sure the school offers proper nutrition and includes physical activity programs in your child’s day. Find programs available within the community that will promote healthy habits for your children. If they don’t exist, talk to community officials about getting a program started.
By working together and taking action steps now, we can get our children on the right path to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. We can make childhood obesity a thing of the past and no longer part of our children’s future.
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6 comments
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FatFighterTV says:
August 23, 2010 at 10:34 am (UTC -5)
Childhood obesity makes me so sad, especially since I interviewed several families with kids who have diabetes because of their weight. I hope things turn around soon.
Lupe says:
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pm (UTC -5)
This blog is so informative, As a parent it is up to us to set an example for our children, For example my youngest child Ricardo is very active, he is only 5 but he loves to ride his bike and play with his friends outside, but Victor he is my oldest, he is at the age where he loves to be on the internet and watch tv. After school we alway try to do some outdoor activity. At the end of the day it is up to the parents, so our children become healthy adults.
Fit Kitty says:
August 24, 2010 at 6:24 am (UTC -5)
So true. I used to do most of the games you mentioned – I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED skipping and double dutch. We did hopskotch, one-two-three red light, red rover, simon says, and played tag. These activities were fun and are great memories of my childhood.
HuffandBuff says:
August 24, 2010 at 10:06 am (UTC -5)
Hi FatFighter TV, thanks for stopping by. It really is disheartening. Hopefully together we can get it to turn around.
Maria
HuffandBuff says:
August 24, 2010 at 10:07 am (UTC -5)
Lupe,
You are absolutely right as parents we need to teach and set good examples for our children to lead them on the right track in adulthood. You are an excellent role model for your children.
Maria
HuffandBuff says:
August 24, 2010 at 10:09 am (UTC -5)
Hi Fit Kitty,
I have the same wonderful memories from childhood. I hope to set a good example for my daughter and fill her with wonderful childhood memories and introduce her to all the fun that can be had outdoors!
Maria
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