By: Kristin Haberman Hlth 361

 Obesity is a term used to describe a condition in which ratio of body fat to total body mass is higher than accepted norm. (15% body fat for men, 20-25% for women)  Most common nutrition disorder among children and adolescents in the United States  Affects long term health and external attractiveness.  Childhood obesity increases risk of adult obesity and cardiovascular disease

 Among children ages 2–19, about 1 in 6 are obese (BMI-for-age at or above the 95th percentile of the CDC growth charts.) % of all boys % of all girls  Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled.  There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents.  1 of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese.

 Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight adults. This increases to 80% if 1 or both parents are overweight or obese.  The total excess cost related to the current prevalence of adolescent overweight and obesity is estimated to be $254 billion ($208 billion in lost productivity secondary to premature morbidity and mortality and $46 billion in direct medical costs).

 Some genetic and hormonal causes (Prader- Willi syndrome and Cushing's syndrome)  Most of the time caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little  Environmental Factors play huge role

 SUGAR drinks and less healthy foods on school campuses.  Advertising of less healthy foods  Variation in licensure regulations among child care centers  Lack of daily, quality physical activity in all schools  No safe and appealing place, in many communities, to play or be active  Increasing portion sizes  TV and MEDIA  Limited access to healthy affordable foods

 Healthy Eating - When buying groceries, choose fruits and veggies - Limit sweetened beverages - Sit down together for family meals - Limit the number of times you eat out

 Physical Activity - Limit recreational computer and TV time to no more than 2 hours a day - Emphasize activity, not exercise - Find activities your child likes to do - If you want an active child, be active yourself - Vary the activities