hd
VOLUNTEER
DONATE

“Faithful-2-Fitness serves as a liaison to assist in the development of community-based, stewardship-driven, childhood obesity intervention programs across America.”

Facts

Overweight and obesity: abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that impairs health

BMI (Body mass index): a reasonable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens

Overweight: BMI at or above the 85% and lower than the 95% for children of the same age and sex

Obesity: BMI at or above the 95% for children of the same age and sex

  • Childhood obesity more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years
  • Age 6-11 years: obesity increased from 7% in 1980 to 18% in 2012
  • Age 12-19 years: obesity increased from 5% in 1980 to 21% in 2012
  • In 2012, more than 1/3 of children and adolescents were overweight or obese

CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Increased risk for Type 2 diabetes
  • Breathing problems
  • Joint problems
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Greater risk of social and psychological problems
  • Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY

EXCESS CALORIC INTAKE
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Frequent snacking
  • Larger portions
  • The higher calorie density of foods
  • More meals consumed or purchased away from home
  • Advertising that promotes unhealthy food consumption
  • Value-sizing of less nutritious foods
INADEQUATE AMOUNTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Labor-saving technological advances, ie. computers
  • Increased screen time and media use; ie. TV, video games
  • Relying on motorized transportation
  • Limited access to safe, convenient recreation facilities or walking areas
  • Limited opportunities for physical activities during the workday
  • Limited daily fitness activities in schools

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY

  • Obesity is NOT being viewed as a medical problem
  • Knowledge
  • Time
  • Access
  • Finances
  • Environment
  • Motivation

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN OBESITY PREVENTION

  • Healthy eating and physical activity
  • The Diet and physical activity of children/adolescents are influenced by many sectors of society
  • Families
  • Communities
  • Schools and childcare settings
  • Faith-based institutions
  • Government agencies
  • The Media
  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Entertainment Industry

SOURCES