Childhood Obesity and Healthy Eating

1. Childhood Obesity and Healthy Eating Maureen Sjonell

2. Focus the QuestionsHow can teachers & parents become better informed of the risks, problems and concerns related to obesity?

3. Health-School Connection • Student health has a strong impact on academic success in school • As a result, obesity is a priority issue for public schools

4. Obesity • Genetics • Environment • Physiology • Metabolism • Appetite regulation by the brain

5. Present Day Problem • The number of overweight and obese children has tripled in the past 20 years • As a result, many students suffer negative effects…

6. Negative Effects • When compared to normal-weight students, overweight children: • Have a lower relative degree of academic achievement • Are tardy and absent more often • Are more likely to have behavioral problems

7. Complex Condition • Obesity affects: • Social health • Psychological health • Physical health

8. Shorter life-span Diabetes Breathing issues Diminished quality of life Depression Low self-esteem Social isolation and stigmatization Hypertension and cardiovascular risks Gastrointestinal disorders Chronic musculoskeletal problems Negative body image Consequences of Childhood Obesity

9. Weight of a child’s parents (genetic influences) Amount of fatty tissue (BMI) Eating restaurant meals (high in fat and calories, low in vegetables and fruit) Large portion sizes Constant snacking Sedentary lifestyle (as children age, physical activity declines) Types of physical activity required by schools vary Factors Contributing to Overweight and Obesity

10. Phys. Ed. classes canceled or shortened to allow more time for academic activities Internet use Video games T.V. viewing (commercial content) Poor nutritional messages and promotion of unhealthy eating by soda and snack companies Teachers failing to role-model healthy eating Using food as an incentive in the classroom Contributory Factors (cont.)

11. Jaw-Dropping Study • Latner and Stunkard’s 2003 study of social discrimination and stigmatization of overweight children • 6 drawings of children (1 obese child, 4 children with gross physical disabilities, and 1 healthy child) and children chose who they like best/who they would want to befriend • Healthy child = highest mean rank • Obese child = lowest

12. Educational Relevance

13. Health and Academic Success are Interconnected • Educators should be concerned about the student from a whole child perspective • Nutrition • Exercise • Body Image

14. Child Nutrition Act • 2004 reauthorization of the $16 billion Child Nutrition Act required that all schools: • Develop and adopt written “wellness” policies for the 2006-2007 school year with goals for nutrition and nutritional education

15. A body improperly nourished cannot keep the mind alert, inquisitive, and sharp Poor diet and inactivity produce: Lethargy and Drowsiness Attention and ability to retain information suffer Relationship Between Diet and Academic Performance

16. Health Problems and School • Overweight children tend to be absent from school more often due to health problems

17. Effects of an Unhealthy Lifestyle for Children • Poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, and poor quality sleep • Impair attention and retention of knowledge • Affects grades and behavior • Sedentary kids who eat high-sugar, high fat meals have • Poorer Cognitive Skills • Higher Anxiety Levels • Problems with Hyperactivity

18. Diet Affects… • Energy Levels • Ability to Concentrate • Proper nutrition, physical activity, and physical fitness • Improve Cognitive Function • Strengthen Academic Achievement • Increase Concentration • Help Improve Test Scores

19. Discipline • Schools that have changed food policies and offered more nutritious snacks have seen a decrease in discipline issues

20. Application in the Classroom

21. Journal • Have students document what they eat for a week • Encourage positive changes increasing fruit and vegetable intake rather than decreasing fat and sugar

22. Guided Reading • Choose a recipe • Make the recipe • Have students explain how they made the recipe (incorporates many standards)

23. Label Reading • Teach students how to read labels

24. Writing • Have students choose their favorite outdoor activity and explain why it is important to stay active For younger students: • Draw their favorite activity and talk about why it is important

25. Read Alouds • Select books that involve stories about eating healthy • Have discussions about healthy eating habits

26. Parent Involvement • Have workshops making the parents aware of healthy eating habits and how to incorporate it into their daily lifestyles • Parents of identified BMI students are given Food and Nutrition Information by Health Office

27. Birthday Book Basket • Instead of cupcakes, have students bring in a book they wish to donate to the classroom • They may wrap it in wrapping paper • Encourage a snack such as fruit instead of cupcakes

28. Model Healthy Eating • Snack time: • Bring in a healthy snack to eat while students are eating • Great time for discussions or health videos/activities

29. Recess • Encourage running around • No electronic games during school hours • Play with your students • They love to play with their teacher • Get a game going that involves everyone

30. Healthy Lifestyle Websites • Incorporate websites that teach healthy eating and promote fitness • Lazy Town • Brain Pop Jr.

31. ReflectionsMore active school spirit days,•Celebrate healthy snacks brought in by rewarding with increased physical activity time,•Dance Dance Revolution,• Wii•PE- Presidential Fitness Test•Basketball Hoop-adjustable for playground

32. Parent Perspective • Initial role models for establishing healthy eating behaviors • Awareness of label information • Involvement in the food preparation • Having one family meal together each day (doesn’t have to be dinner)

33. Teacher Perspective • Additional role model • Reinforce healthy eating through educational means • Practice what you preach (candy dish example) • Integrate lessons with activity and movement

34. References Brownell, K., & Horgen, K. (2004). Food fight. New York: McGraw Hill. Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Council on School Health. (2006). Active, healthy living: Prevention of childhood obesity through increased physical activity. Pediatrics, 117, 1834-1842. Daniels, D. (2008). Examining attendance, academic performance, and behavior in obese students. Journal of School Nursing, 24, 379-387. Puhl, R., & Brownell, K. (2001). Bias, discrimination, and obesity. Obesity Research, 9, 788-805. Shore, S., Sachs, M., Lidicker, J., Brett, S., Wright, A., & Libonati, J. (2008). Decreased scholastic achievement in overweight students. Obesity, 16(7), 1535-1538. World Health Organization. (2003). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from http://www.who.int/hpr/nph/docs/gs-obesity.pdf Young, D.R., Felton, G.M., Grieser, M., Elder, J.P., Johnson, C., Lee, J., et al. (2007). Policies and opportunities for physical activity in school environments. Journal of School Health, 77(1), 41-47.

37. Calorie Guide

38. Calorie Comparison • McDonalds • Quarter Pounder w/ cheese 530 cals 30 g fat • Lrg fries 540 cals 26 g fat • Med Coke 210 cals • Meal total: 1280 cals 56 g fat • Our Version • Turkey cheese burger, lettuce, tomato 378 cal 10 g fat • Fries 120 cals 0 g fat • Fuze-Pomegranate Acai Berry 10 cal • Side of cauliflower 75 cals • Meal total: 583 cals 19 g fat

39. Alternate Healthy Meal • Lettuce 60 • Cucumber 40 • Tomatoes 45 • Pepper 35 • Olives 100 • ½ cup feta cheese 190 15 g fat • Meal Total: 470 • 4 servings- 196 cal/serving 4 g fat