Childhood Obesity: Sadly, a Growing Epidemic

Like many, I spend a lot of time on weekends shuttling between BJs, Target and Stop-N-Shop. As I wait in line I regularly scan the items of the family in front of me and, more often than not, I am horrified by their purchases. Recently, I was behind a mom who purchased cases of soda and processed, ‘instant’ pastas and noodles for her kids, along with sugary cereals, chips and cookies. As I continued to observe, I noticed a common trend amongst all three of her children – they were significantly overweight. While it saddened me, it was also frustrating, as it was so obvious to me that her choices were contributing to their challenge and to their future.

The facts:

• According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
• A survey conducted by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2008, showed that obesity in children age two through five grew from five percent in 1980 to 10.4 percent in 2008.
  • In the same time period, for six to 11 year olds, obesity rose from six and a half percent to 19.6 percent, and, from five percent to 18.1 percent for young adults age 12 to 19.
• A fact sheet released by The Child Policy Research Center, The National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ), and The Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health, revealed that Massachusetts ranked 22nd in the U.S. with 30 percent of all children considered overweight or obese.
• And, a local non-profit executive recently mentioned to me that 25 percent of children in Marblehead are considered obese.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic and it’s one that significantly impacts a child’s life both in their youth and as an adult. Obese children have increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, bone and joint issues, sleep apnea, social and psychological issues stemming from peer pressure and low self-esteem. Obese children are also more likely to become obese adults, putting them at greater risk for heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

So, why is this happening? Are kids today not as active as in the past? Are they just eating poorly? It’s a combination of numerous factors including the prevalence of more ‘unhealthy’, processed ingredients in the foods offered today, more choices in terms of convenience foods and ‘kids’ snacks, the lack of time parents have due to work and other commitments, and the independence that kids today have in making their own choices.

To impact change and truly address the issue, it begins with education and working with kids as well as adults to educate them beyond the food pyramid as to the choices they make and how those choices impact their life today and how it may impact them in the future.