Memo/Fact Sheet
Memorandum
Date: January 29, 2008
To: John Bono, Instructor – ENGCMP 0420
From: Christina Sheridan
Subject: Childhood Obesity in the United States
Childhood obesity in the United States has risen at an alarming rate over the past 30+ years. As the pace of American society continues to increase, the consumption of fast food, and other quick alternatives to a healthy, home-cooked meal, becomes more common for families across the country. In addition to poor eating habits, varying other environmental factors, and a lack of physical activity all contribute to this growing epidemic.
Studies have shown that overweight children are much more likely to be obese as adults.[1] The health risks of childhood obesity, continuing into adulthood, are numerous. Many consequences are seen immediately in childhood, while some may not be evident until later in life. [2] Addressing the problem while they are at a young age is the most effective way to help reduce the risks of obesity in children, regardless of the timing of these consequences.
The two biggest problems with childhood obesity are society’s lack of knowledge on the issue as a whole, and the poor environment which surrounds our youth. Children today are surrounded by an unhealthy atmosphere. Non-nutritious foods flood our culture and kids are not taught the consequences of consuming such large amounts of fat and calories.
Many Americans are uninformed about both the severity of the childhood obesity, and the ways in which to both prevent and correct it. Overcoming obesity will require a change in the lifestyles of Americans. I believe that in order to institute such a change, people must be educated on the seriousness of the problem and all of its consequences. It is also necessary for parents and educators to instill a healthy way of life in all children. They should be both encouraged to partake in an active and healthy lifestyle and educated on the consequences of unhealthy habits starting at a young age; so that they can fully understand its importance to their future.
There are several simple changes that can be made in order to decrease rate of overweight children in the United States. Let’s start by looking at what changes can be implemented in school systems. Physical education programs for children of all ages need to implement a curriculum which requires physical activity for all children. If gym classes were improved, children would be guaranteed at least some amount of exercise each week. The cafeterias in schools can also pay more attention to the foods they are serving. All unhealthy food (things high in fats, sugars, calories, etc.) should be removed from the menu and be replaced with more nutritious and well balanced alternatives. One last effort schools can do is to implement health education programs at a younger age. Here children can be taught the importance of a nutritious diet and active, healthy lifestyle. Giving children this information and knowledge at a young age can help instill good values and habits in their futures.
Parents can also help keeping their children healthy. Preparing a healthy family meal each night is one simple way to do so. This ensures that children are eating properly. It’s as easy as refraining from purchasing unhealthy foods at the grocery store. Families can also plan activities such as walks in the park to keep children active. Implementing rules that restrict television, video game and computer usage is another way to encourage children to be physically active with something else to keep them from getting bored. One last thing parents can do is to ensure that children attend the doctor regularly for checkups to make sure they are healthy.
All Americans today should be concerned with the issues involving childhood obesity. Whether is be as a family member, educator, doctor, food service provider, etc., everyone should be acting to minimize the cases of overweight children in our society. Without the collaboration and efforts of our nation as a whole, any solution proposed would be ineffective. As adults today, it is our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of future generations, starting as soon as possible.
While the entire nation should be concerned with the problems surrounding overweight children, parents of young and adolescent children and the schools they attend should be the most active participants in encouraging healthy lifestyles. Children spend the majority of their time either in school or at home, therefore it is here that risk communication efforts should be focused.
Childhood obesity in America cannot be fixed overnight; however, simple lifestyle changes can be made to promote good health. It is important for people to know that while immediate results may not be seen, we need to take start taking steps in the right direction; before the situation gets any worse.
[1] “Childhood Overweight” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Department of Health and Human Services. May 22, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/childhood/index.htm[2] Childhood Overweight: Consequences” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Department of Health and Human Services. May 22, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/childhood/consequences.htm
Childhood Obesity Fact Sheet
What is it?
The terms “overweight” and “obesity” are used to label weight ranges which are higher than what is considered to be healthy and identify which ranges studies have shown to increase the likelihood of weight-related health risks.[1]
How is the weight status of children assessed?
To begin assessing the weight of a child, their Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated using their height and weight. These ranges must then be charted so that the differences in body fat based upon gender and age can be taken into account. This method of measurement is referred to as BMI-for-age. Children are then classified according to the percentile ranges shown in the following chart:[2]
| Weight Status Category | Percentile Range |
| Underweight | Less than the 5th percentile |
| Healthy weight | 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile |
| At risk of overweight | 85th to less than the 95th percentile |
| Overweight | Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile |
It is also recommended by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to look at the circumference of an individual’s waist, blood pressure and level of physical activity when assessing whether or not a child is at an unhealthy weight.[3]
How have the rates of overweight and obesity in children increased in recent decades?
According to the results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the percentage of overweight children in America has increased drastically in the past decades. Comparing the results from 1994 to 2004, overweight increased from 7.2 to 13.9% among 2-5 year olds, from 11 to 19% among 6-11 year olds and from 11 to 17% among 12-19 year olds. In 2004, they estimated that approximately 17 percent of children (age 2-19) are overweight.[4]
What are the consequences of obesity?
There are many consequences of childhood obesity, most of which are carried onto adulthood. Statistics show that approximately 80% of overweight children (age 10-15) are obese as adults.[5] Major health risks which are a consequence of obesity are cardio vascular diseases (high cholesterol and hypertension), asthma, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. There are also important psychological risks for overweight children which must be addressed. Overweight children are often the targets of bullying amongst their peers. This can in turn cause them to have poor social functioning resulting from a low self-esteem.[6]
What are the causes of weight issues?
To find ways in which childhood obesity can be avoided and corrected, it is necessary to understand the factors which contribute to its existence. These include both behavioral and environmental factors. The most prevalent behavioral factors are children’s eating habits and level of physical activity. A high intake of fat and calories is frequently seen in children. American families are often on the run and resort to fast food as an alternative to a well balanced meal, simply for its convenience. Children are given too much access to foods with poor nutritional value. In general, calorie intake has increased in our nation due to large portion sizes, unhealthy foods, food advertisement and availability of a wide variety of non-nutritious foods.
Physical activity is also important for children to stay healthy. In today’s society children are spending more and more time inactive. Instead of playing outside with friends afterschool, they are spending their time watching TV or playing video games. This lack of physical activity is a great factor contributing to the overweight children.[7]
[1] “Defining Overweight and Obesity” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Department of Health and Human Services. May 22, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm[2] “About BMI for Children and Teens” ” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Department of Health and Human Services. May 22, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/childrens_BMI/about_childrens_BMI.htm[3] “Defining Overweight and Obesity” CDCP: DHHS. May 22, 2007.
[4] “Prevalence of Overweight Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 2003-2004.” National Center for Health Statistics. January 30, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/overweight/overwght_child_03.htm
[5] “Childhood Overweight” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Department of Health and Human Services. May 22, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/childhood/index.htm
[6] ibid
[7] ibid
