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Obesity

ACEI
Speaks
Obesity and
Children
Medical professionals and educators are deeply concerned by the alarming
increase in childhood obesity among all racial/ethnic, age, and gender
groups. In some subgroups, more than 30 percent of children are overweight
(Sothern & Gordon, 2003). Since 1970, obesity rates have tripled for schoolage
children and adolescents (American Dietetic Association [ADA], 2003a).
Although there is no single reason for children becoming overweight, poor
nutrition, unhealthful eating habits, low physical activity, and eating for the wrong
reasons are identified as key factors causing obesity (Archer, 1989; Sothern & Gordon,
2003).
The Negative Effects of Obesity
A Final Note
Pharmacologic and surgical treatment of
childhood obesity is increasing (Kim, 2002).
Drastic methods do not have to be the final
alternative to childhood obesity. With the help
of professionals, healthful food choices and
physical activity can become a family commitment.
When parents establish healthful food
and activity patterns as early as possible, it has
lifelong implications for their children’s
physical, emotional, and social well-being.
References
American Dietetic Association. (1999). Dietary guidance
for healthy children aged 2 to 11 years. Journal of the
American Dietetic Association, 99, 93-101.
American Dietetic Association. (2001). A primer on fats
and oils. Journal of the American Dietetic Association,
101(3), S-3.
American Dietetic Association. (2003b). Judging a healthy
weight: Is there truth in numbers? Retrieved November
10, 2003, from www.eatright.org/Print/
index_17169.cfm
American Dietetic Association. (2003a). Public policy
strategies for school food programs: Competitive foods and
nutrition education. Retrieved November 10, 2003, from
www.eatright.org/Public/GovernmentAffairs/
98_11175.cfm
Archer, G. (1989). Big kids: Helping the overweight
child. Pediatrics for Parents, 10(12), 2-3.
Ebbeling, C. B., Pawlak, D....