Child And Obesity

Page i
Child and Adolescent Obesity Prevention
Table of Contents


Position Paper
1
Position Statement
1
Introduction
1
What is Obesity?
2
Prevention of Obesity
2
Status of Iowa’s Children
3
Action Plan for Preventing Child and Adolescent Obesity
4
Bibliography
8
Supplements
 
Supplement A.   Promoting Healthy Lifestyles at Home
11
Supplement B.   Promoting Healthy Lifestyle and Preventing Obesity in the
Child Care Setting

17
Supplement C.   Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Preventing Obesity in the
School Setting

22
Supplement D.   Promoting Healthy Lifestyles to Prevent Obesity in the
Community Setting

32
Supplement E.   Preventing Obesity and Further Weight Gain in the Health
Care Setting

37
Acknowledgements 43

Page ii
Child and Adolescent Obesity Prevention


Page 1
Child and Adolescent Obesity Prevention
Child and Adolescent Obesity


Position Statement

The Child and Adolescent Obesity Task Force includes professionals representing a
variety of agencies that work with Iowa youth, ages 0-21, and encourages Iowans to
address the problem of obesity.   The Task Force proposes reversing the upward trend in
childhood obesity prevalence by:  
• Increasing awareness of obesity as a public health issue that seriously impacts
children’s quality of life.  
• Promoting education for parents and professionals regarding prevention and
appropriate intervention.  
• Encouraging parents and caregivers to choose and model healthy lifestyles.  
• Encouraging communities to mobilize resources, creating opportunities for children
and families to choose healthy lifestyles.  


Introduction

Childhood obesity is a major concern in the United States and in Iowa.   The National
Health Examination Surveys (NHES) and National Health and Nutrition Examination
Surveys (NHANES) monitored obesity for children based on a Body Mass Index1   for age...