140 likes | 373 Views
Childhood Obesity . Taylor Haury. Obesity Rates Among U.S Children . A pproximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and aged 2—19 years are obese S ince 1980, obesity prevalence among children has almost tripled . Causes?.
E N D
Childhood Obesity Taylor Haury
Obesity Rates Among U.S Children • Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and aged 2—19 years are obese • Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children has almost tripled
Causes? • Too many calories and not getting enough physical activity • Increasing portion sizes • Limited access to healthy affordable foods • Schools? • Lack of daily physical activity • Sugary drinks and less healthy foods • Advertising of less healthy foods
Increasing Portion Sizes • Portion sizes have increased over the past 20 years • Research shows that children eat more without realizing it if they are served larger portions
Limited Access to Healthy Affordable Foods • Some people have less access to stores and supermarkets that sell healthy, affordable food
School? • Lack of daily physical activity in school • The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans • Only 18% of students in grades 9-12 meet this recommendation • Only 33% of students attend daily physical education classes
School? • Sugary drinks and less healthy foods • More than half of U.S. schools still offer sugary drinks and less healthy foods
School? • Advertising of less healthy foods • Nearly half of U.S. schools allow advertising of less healthy foods • Unhealthy foods are highly marketed through media targeted to children • Advertising for healthier foods is almost nonexistent in comparison.
Solution? • There is no single or simple solution to the childhood obesity epidemic! • Provide incentives to existing supermarkets and farmers' markets • Expand programs that bring local fruits and vegetables to schools • Increase access to free drinking water and limit the sale of drinks with added sugar in schools
What Can Parents Do? • Prepare healthier foods at family meals • Serve your family water instead of drinks with added sugar • Make sure your child gets physical activity each day
Childhood Obesity Needs Solved Now • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FId8iTgmYBo
References • http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/problem.html • http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/solutions.html