C HILDHOOD O BESITY By: Maria Werner

O VERVIEW Although there are some genetic or hormonal diseases that can cause childhood obesity, it is usually caused by a lack of exercise and/or poor eating habits. It has become an epidemic throughout the United States yet 90% of cases are curable.

W HAT T O L OOK F OR A child is NOT obese because they are bigger than the other children. Children plump up before they sprout. They may just have a different body structure. BMI (Body Mass Index) and growth charts give the average weight for a child depending on their sex, age and height. This shows the child’s percentile. 85 th -95 th percentiles show the child is overweight 95 th and above show obesity in the child For example: Sarah’s BMI was 85, that means, 85% of the females her age and height weigh less. Also, look for observable bad habits. Lack of interest in physical activities. Withdrawal or acting out in class (classic sign of low self- esteem) Being bullied due to weight. Lunch or interest in only in high-calorie foods.

M ANAGEMENT O F C ONDITION The earlier the habits are changed, the better! To properly treat obesity or to prevent an overweight child from becoming obese, the child must learn proper nutrition, practice healthy eating habits and maintain some form of activity in his/her day-to-day life. The family must be involved. Medicines would need to be administered for Prader- Willi Syndrome or Cushing's Syndrome. Slow and steady is the way to go. Obese children need to maintain their weight so as they grow and age, they will start to balance out into a lower percentile. Maintaining weight or losing weight is a slow process, praise and sharing will help with motivation.

C OMPLICATIONS C AUSED B Y O BESITY Health Problems Type 2 Diabetes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Metabolic Syndrome Asthma Sleep Disorders Early Puberty or Menstruation Emotional Issues Poor Self-Esteem Depression Social/ Behavioral Problems Withdrawal Acting Out Getting Bullied

I N T HE C LASSROOM Teach children about the food pyramid Encourage and incorporate physical activity through games, learning exercises, etc. Teach about diversity and acceptance of others. Encourage parents to bring healthy alternatives to cupcakes and candies during special events. Praise with Food or Candy. Deny snacks that the rest of the class is receiving. Focus on or draw attention to a child who is fighting obesity. Use recess as a reward or take away as punishment. DODON’T

A S T HE T EACHER Set a good example Praise! Be sensitive Talk about feelings Talk to the family about alternatives to fast food Possible concerns and health problems that can effect their child, currently or in the future Available after-school activities (such as soccer) Eating together Limiting television, video games, etc. (This may mean changes for themselves too) Teach them about the Food Pyramid Guidelines, healthy sources for recipes, quick meals, snacks and the importance in scheduling meal times.

S OME W AYS T O I NCORPORATE H EALTHY L ESSONS I N T HE C LASSROOM Remember that recess is not just “play”. Social, developmental and cognitive lessons are learned on the playground. Every hour, have a “Wiggle Break.” Get the children out of their seats and wiggle! Other activities like Tasting A Rainbow (pg351) will help children see that they like healthy foods. Or Roll the Cube and Move (pg365) to understand how eating healthy works.

C ONCLUSION Obesity is a problem that is taking over. The Internet and video games are how children socialize, play and interact with each other. We must realize that a healthy lifestyle is something we can teach. If we find activities, healthy foods, and games that we enjoy, that enthusiasm will rub off on our pupils. As teachers, we want to show that learning can be fun. Playing Red Rover can be a math activity, Shaking Your Sillies Out can relieve anxiety, books are magical places that send us into our imagination which can be acted out on the playground, and songs and mnemonic devices can be fun, funny and useful in our lessons day-to-day.

B IBLIOGRAPHY “Childhood Obesity”. Mayo Clinic. obesity/DS00698 (24Jan2011) obesity/DS00698 Marotz, Lynn. Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, 2009.