The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 19.7% of children and adolescents in the United States are obese. The higher percentages are among adolescents 12-19 years of age (22.2%), along with American Indian and Alaska Native (29.7%), Hispanic boys (28%) and Black girls (23%).
In 2010, a Presidential Proclamation established September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month to create awareness of this health problem and provide public information to promote preventive strategies and ways to keep our children healthier.
Research has identified different causes of the obesity health crisis, including, but not limited to, economic, racial, ethnic, and environmental disparities, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of access to healthy food. Causes like family income or ethnicity are out of the parent's control, but they can modify and improve their loved ones' lifestyles. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes “that making small changes early on can prevent a lifetime of complications regarding childhood obesity.”
The number one change suggested by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), APP, and the CDC is monitoring and, if needed, increasing physical activity. Not sure if your family is being sedentary or appropriately active? Review the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition Executive Summary to determine if you need to add activities to your routine.
As a parent, remember that modeling behaviors is your most powerful tool. To motivate your children to be active, you must be active too. Strategies that can help you and your family to be more active are:
- Schedule time for physical activity—explore the outdoors with your children. Playing outside benefits children physically and emotionally and can help adults reduce stress.
- Set limits on media use—screen time is the biggest challenge both children and adults face to stay active. AAP has updated its recommendations, and along with the Family Media Plan tool, they have developed the 5Cs of Media Guidance: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, and Communication.
- Promote physical literacy – the earlier parents start encouraging movement, the better. Children will grow up embracing physical activity as a lifestyle.
- Have fun! The selected activities must match your family’s preferences. Examples include rough-and-tumble play*, hiking, playing fetch with your dog, and riding a bicycle. If everyone enjoys it, they will not stop doing it.
*To learn more about rough & tumble play, register to attend The Importance of Rough & Tumble Play online presentation on September 10th, 2024, at 11:00 am