Obesity Prevention in American Children Blaire Jones | Arkansas State University | blaire.jones@smail.astate.edu

What is Childhood Obesity? Obesity is defined as an abnormal amount of fat accumulation that may impair a persons health. Childhood Obesity is when a child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for children of their age and sex. When considering the child’s BMI, doctors go off of a health chart that takes in to consideration the child’s age, height and sex. When a child has a BMI that is in the 85th percentile or more, they are considered overweight. This is when actions should be taken.

Body Mass Index Chart

State Rankings 1. Tennessee 6. Alabama 37.7% overweight 2. North Dakota 37.1% overweight 3. Mississippi 37% overweight 4. Florida 36.6% overweight 5. Rhode Island 36.3% overweight 6. Alabama 35.5% overweight 7. West Virginia 35.1% overweight 8. Louisiana 34% overweight 9. Arkansas 33.9% overweight 10. Indiana State Rankings As of 2016, a study show that these are the top ten states who have the highest percentage of children diagnosed with obesity.

A closer look Symptoms of Obesity in Children: Appearance Oily skin Excessive Acne Early break outs Acne on areas other than face Stretch marks on skin Hips Legs Fatty tissue deposition Psychological Low self-esteem Depression Gastrointestinal Constipation Acid Reflux Other: Early menstrual cycle in girls Before age 8 Delayed puberty in boys Later than age 16 Shortness of breath Flat feet Sleep Apnea

Common Causes Genetic Factors Lack of Physical Activity Family History Studies show that children of obese parents are most likely to become obese Lack of Physical Activity Advances in technology Kids have phones/tablets at younger ages Young boys prefer to play video games Highly competitive sport teams Coaches are teaching kids to win Kids aren’t being taught how to have fun Life Style Children are not being taught how to be active Children are not encouraged to go outside and play

Common Causes Medical Conditions Unhealthy Eating Patterns Hormonal Imbalances Hypothyroidism The child has an underactive thyroid Polycystic ovary syndrome Cysts on ovaries Hypopituitarism The pituitary gland does not make certain horomones Unhealthy Eating Patterns Busy Parents Fast food Parents are not taking the time to teach the importance of healthy eating Children are not aware of the risks of unhealthy eating They are learning habits early

Negative Effects Diabetes Asthma Eating Disorders Hypertension 1/3 of obese children have diabetes Asthma 1/3 of obese children have asthma Eating Disorders 2/3 of obese children have eating disorders Hypertension ¼ of obese children have high blood pressure

How to prevent obesity

Portion Control Grains Fruits Dairy Vegetables Protein Sweets 6-11 servings per day About 8 ounces a day 4 ounces should be whole grain Bread Rice Pasta Fruits 2-3 servings per day About 12 ounces a day Banana Apple Blueberry Cucumbers Dairy 2-3 servings per day About 24 ounces a day Milk Cheese Yogurt Vegetables 2-3 servings per day About 16 ounces a day Spinach Carrots Peas Corn Protein 2 servings per day About 6 ounces a day Chicken Turkey Nuts Fish Sweets 1 serving per day 1 ounce a day Cookies Cakes Brownies

How to Teach Healthy Eating Encourage Kids Involve Kids in meals Allow kids to help cook Allow them to choose which foods to eat Ask them what they would like you to cook Encourage kids to play outside Be a Role Model Set a good example for kids to follow If kids watch you eating unhealthy foods, they will choose to eat unhealthy as well Kids learn from watching If parents are out and active daily, they will choose to be as well When parents portion meals, kids learn to not overeat

Resources Childhood Obesity Foundation Food Guide for Children State Rankings Late Puberty Early Puberty Family Health Guide Symptoms and Causes Healthy Eating