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Childhood Obesity. Nutrition 120. Definition. Canada, like many nations, is in the midst of an epidemic of overweight and obesity. Currently, 59% of adult Canadians are either overweight or obese. Overweight vs. Obesity.
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Childhood Obesity Nutrition 120
Definition • Canada, like many nations, is in the midst of an epidemic of overweight and obesity. Currently, 59% of adult Canadians are either overweight or obese.
Overweight vs. Obesity • The prevalence of overweight and obesity is commonly assessed by using body mass index (BMI) or Body Mass Index • BMI is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m2 ). • A BMI over 25 is defined as overweight, and a BMI of over 30 as obese.
A lifetime problem? • 1 out of 4 children who are obese at age 6 will be obese as an adult • 3 out of 4 children who are obese at age 12 will be obese as an adult
Cost of Obesity There are significant economic costs for Canada as a result of obesity. Direct and indirect costs associated with obesity in 2001 were estimated at $4.3 billion. (Katzmarzyk and Janssen, 2004) .
Serious Risks • Poor Self-esteem • Depression • Hip and bone problems • Early puberty • Childhood diabetes • Sleep Apnea (Not Breathing) • Adult health issues: High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes • Some kinds of Cancer • Liver and Gallbladder problems • Stroke (mainly in adults)
Causes of Childhood Obesity • Family/Parents: A child is at a higher risk if they have two obese parents • Emotional Issues • Lower Activity Level: Computers, TV, Video Games, etc. • Diet: Excess of Junk foods • Heredity
Media Influence • The media has placed a high emphasis on sweets and cartoons: For example…. • The Cheetos brand snacks has a funny cartoon cheetah that lures children into wanting to buy cheetos
Other Media Influences • Junk foods and Sweets Advertisements often include some form of “prize” to make children want to purchase them
In 1971, the average age at which children began to watch TV was 4 years; today, it is 5 months. • National data show that 15.2% of 2-5-year-olds are overweight and 6.3% are obese. It is estimated that overweight 2-5-year-olds are 4 times as likely to be overweight as adults. • More than 90% of kids begin watching TV before the age of two, despite recommendations that screen time should be zero for children under 2, and limited to 1 hour for kids 2-5.
School Relationship • Cafeteria foods and vending machines give high-calorie snacks (candy bars, chips, ice cream, etc.) • Less than 1 in 10 public schools require students to participate in physical activity daily • On average, students undertake vigorous physical activity for only 25 minutes per week
Physical Fun! • Follow Canada’s Physical Activity Guide (guidelines..see copy) • Family Activities • Walking/Jogging/Hiking etc…. • Encouragement of Sports recreation: Soccer, Gymnastics, Baseball, etc.
Nature-Deficit Disorder “I like to play indoors better ’cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.” A Fourth-Grader in San Diego From R. Louv. Last Child in the Woods. 2005
Parental Influence • Education of Nutrition: Start implementing at an early age • Restriction of TV watching/video game playing, and computer use: Restrict to no more than 1-2 hours of combined activity. • Encourage Physical activity and participate with your child rather just watching them/Play! • Keep daily records of nutrient intake; personal diaries or journals • Keep junk food in the house to a minimum; encourage foods high in nutrient density • Make sure that they know that you are there for them and will be there to encourage a new healthy lifestyle
Follow 4 Simple StepsChildhood Obesity Foundation of Canada • 5 – fruits/vegetables per day • 2 – hours or less of screen-time per day • 1 – hour of physical activity per day • 0 – sugar sweetened beverage per day
Conclusion • Childhood Obesity is a growing problem all around the world. It is influenced by a number of factors, but there are ways to prevent and solve this growing epidemic. Children are the future: Lets make sure that they are healthy, happy, and full of fun in this ever changing society.
References • www.dictionary.reference.com • www.eagle2.american.edu • www.enc-online.org • www.healthyontario.com • www.kidsource.com • www.med.umich.edu • http://www.childhoodobesityfoundation.ca/statistics