Childhood ObesityAn American Epidemic

Desiree Williams

What’s the Problem?

Obesity defined Often difficult to define childhood

obesity› Based on percentile norms

Above 95th percentile is obese More than 16% children ages 6-19 are

overweight or obese –over 9 million children

Most prevalent in Hispanic and African-American populations

Risks of Childhood Obesity Negative physical effects

› Leads to lifelong obesity› Diabetes (2-in-5 for girls; 1-in-3 for boys)› Heart Disease—leading cause of death in

adults (61% have risk factor)› Joint disease› Irregular menstrual cycle› Stroke› Gall stones› Gout› Sleep apnea› Cancer› Body tissue damage and structural deformities

Risks (cont.)

Negative psychological effects› Feelings of inadequacy› Low self esteem› Embarrassment› Behavior and Learning Problems

Affects jobs and relationships

What Causes Obesity?

Diet Genetics

› Overweight parent Inactivity Psychological Factors Socioeconomic Factors “No Child Left Behind”

What is the Solution? <7, maintenance instead of weight

loss >7, weight loss is recommended For extreme cases ONLY:

› Medications Sibutramine (Meridia)—ages 16+ Orlistat (Xenical)—ages 12+

› Weight loss surgery PREVENTION!

› Involves parents, teachers and the community.

Parental Involvement

Breastfeeding Dinner table etiquette

› “You must finish your veggies if you want dessert”

› “You have to finish your plate before you may leave the table”

Schedule yearly checkups Lead by example

› Parents should play with their kids› Control portions

School’s Involvement

Elementary school recess› Provided regardless of grade level› At least 30 minutes a day› Multiple sessions

Extracurricular Physical Activity Active Classrooms

› GEAR Program (Getting Energized and Recharged)

Model School South Carolina schools, 2003

› Student Health and Fitness Act of 2005 PE and PA regulation School nurses Nutrition standards for food served

Shape up Sommerville› Funded by CDC› Targets 1st through 3rd graders (46%

overweight or obese)› Resulted in reduction of weight gain

Buffalo Bend Elementary School› Fun Club

What Can We Do?

As future Health & Physical Education teachers, we must ensure that our students are participating in a sufficient amount of Physical Activity and also ensure that they are informed about the importance of healthy eating habits.

We have a social responsibility to effect a positive change in the health of children.

Look for ways to become involved and promote good health in the next generation.

Thank You!

ReferencesMayo Clinic Staff, (2008, March 28). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved November

9, 2008, from MayoClinic.com Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698

Nye, Susan B. (2008).Fun club: a physical activity program for elementary schools. The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 79, 36-38, 44.

Kahan, David (2008).Recess, extracurricular activities, and active classrooms: means for increasing elementary school students' physical activity. The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 79, 26-31.

Ginn, Jennifer (2007, November). Combating childhood obesity. Trends in America, Retrieved November 7, 2008, from http://www.trendsinamerica.org

Brown, Pei-San, John A. Sutterby, and Candra D. Thornton Combating childhood obesitywith physical play opportunities. Retrieved November 9, 2008, Web site: http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/67-combating-childhood-obesity-with-physical-play-opportunities

(2008, October 15). Obesity. Retrieved November 9, 2008, from The Regents of the University of California Web site: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/medical_services/hdisorder/obesity/prevention.html