Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. It’s one of the easiest diseases to detect, but one of the hardest to treat. There is no cure in a pill bottle, or magical outcome after a few days in the hospital. Childhood obesity is a whole-body illness affecting the mind, body, and spirit of the child.
New studies by U.S. researchers have found that lowering the risk of childhood obesity might be as simple as adding a small amount of dip to a serving of fruits and vegetables. Jennifer Orlet Fisher, study leader and director of the Family Eating Laboratory at Temple University’s Center for Obesity Research and Education, said about 70% of children have sensitivity to bitterness. By adding a small serving of dip (ranch dressing, caramel, cottage cheese, hummus, etc.), children are more inclined to eat healthier choices.
UPI.com reported that researchers found that offering ranch dressing as a dip increased broccoli consumption by 80% among bitter-sensitive students over a seven-week period. The report concluded both low fat and regular dips had the same response.
Teaching a child to eat a proper, balanced diet is part of the battle against obesity, but it is not the only weapon we have against the disease. Exercise is critical in burning off calories, and providing children with a strong support group is vital to their continued progress.
What is considered obesity in children?
Typically, a child is not considered obese until his/her weight reaches 10% higher than what is recommended for height and body type. Obesity most commonly begins between the ages of five and six, or during adolescence. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults than children of a healthy weight.
What are the health risks of obesity?
- Increases risk of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Breathing problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Emotional problems such as, depression, anxiety, and, obsessive compulsive disorder
Why is childhood obesity considered an epidemic in the U.S.?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2010 not one state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. The CDC reports that approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2-19 are obese.
How can schools help in the battle against obesity?
The entire faculty and staff should be role models, and what a better place to start than with your school’s wellness program. The following steps are from the “Let’s Move” Web site.
- Determine employee health-related costs.
- Identify nutrition and physical activity interests and needs of school employees.
- Establish goals for improving healthy behaviors among staff (e.g., increase the proportion of school employees that meet the national physical activity guidelines).
- Obtain administrative support for school employee wellness programs that offer a variety of healthy eating and physical activities for staff.
- Implement a variety of healthy eating and physical activities that emphasize health education, skill-building, and changes to the school environment.
- Consider making changes to create a healthier workplace, such as including incentives for physical activity, or walking or biking instead of driving to school.
- Encourage "walking meetings."
- Make athletic facilities and equipment available to staff after hours.
- Lead by example. Walk with your students and eat with them.
Additional ISM articles of interest
Private School News Vol. 9 No. 8 Can Schools Help in America’s Fight Against Childhood Obesity?
Private School News Vol. 9 No.1 New Statistics on Childhood Obesity
Private School News Vol. 9 No. 7 Childhood Health Briefs
ISM Monthly Update for Business Managers Vol.9 No. 8 Sustainable Lunch Programs
