1. Obesity and Overweight: Causes and Prevention
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Health Education Department
Jenna Levy, Health Educator
Medical Review: Leigha Winters, MD
August 2016

2. Obesity in the United States
Rates of obesity among youth have tripled in last 25 years
17% of youth ages 2-19 are obese
Lower income, minority youth are at a greater risk for obesity

3. 2011 Obesity Rates

4. Causes of Obesity Causes are complex Genetic factors
Environmental factors
No access to affordable, healthy food
No safe space for physical activity
Marketing/advertising

5. Causes of Obesity: Marketing
Food industry advertises unhealthy foods to youth
Media advertising that cultivates unrealistic body expectations
Can lead to body image concerns
Can cause unhealthy eating patterns
Skipping meals
Eating little food (anorexia)
Binge eating
Vomiting (Bulimia)
Diet pills
Excessive exercise

6. Body Image & Psychological Stress
Dealing with the stigma of obesity is stressful
Overweight or obese individuals often experience:
social isolation
behavioral difficulties
low self-esteem
depression
bullying

7. Families Can Help! Family mealtimes can improve nutrition habits
Children who eat meals with their family have lower obesity rates and better nourishment
This improves academic performance
Family meals help establish healthy eating behaviors - Children who grow up eating meals with their family end up eat more fruits and vegetables when they’re older

8. Families Can Help Mealtime conversation promotes good self-esteem
Families can look into community resources to find a safe space for physical activity

9. Health Professionals Can Help
Psychologists, Nutritionists and Dieticians can:
Help youth create healthy eating habits and physical activities
Help stop unhealthy eating patterns
Promote active family lifestyles
Make youth feel better about their bodies
Reduce stigma around overweight and obesity

10. References and Resources
CDC Childhood Obesity Facts:
American Psychological Association:
Dairy Council of California:
Resources
PAMF Obesity & Weight Loss:
PAMF Female Diet and Nutrition: vs. Overweight