Health Beat: Combating childhood obesity

Recent scientific studies are beginning to show progress against the childhood obesity epidemic, but the numbers of young people affected by obesity remain high. Research has shown that declines in school-based physical activity programs and increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are just some of the causes of the increase in childhood obesity in the United States.

Childhood obesity touches approximately 1 of 6 young people

Obesity now affects nearly 18 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States, and since 1980, the number has almost tripled. The good news is there are a number of strategies communities, states, schools and parents can use to combat the childhood obesity epidemic. We recognize the extent of the obesity epidemic and its associated health risks and offer strategies that work in combating the epidemic.

What is childhood obesity?

Obesity has several harmful effects. It puts a child at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems and other conditions.

Obesity is determined by a formula called body mass index. BMI is calculated by dividing body weight by height squared. Childhood obesity is defined as a BMI at or above 25 or at or above the 95th percentile. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but it is a reasonable indicator of percentage of body fat for most children and teens. You can use a simple online Child and Teen BMI Calculator to determine your child's BMI.

Is it getting better?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention August Vital Signs report, after decades of rising obesity rates among low-income preschoolers age 2 to 4, many states are now showing small declines in childhood obesity rates. Among older children, a recent CDC survey shows school districts nationwide are making improvements by putting into action school nutrition policies and requiring physical education. Improvements in childhood obesity rates also have been noted at the local level. For example, a study conducted in Philadelphia, Pa., and published in the CDC's journal Preventing Chronic Disease reported that childhood obesity has declined in Philadelphia. A waning in the consumption of sugary beverages, which contribute to childhood obesity, also has been noted by researchers, as seen in "Declines in Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Children in Los Angeles County, 2007 and 2011." However, childhood obesity numbers are still too high. Although advances are being made in addressing the epidemic, researchers note that much work remains before childhood obesity rates begin to show a dramatic decline.

What needs to be done?

The good news is we know what works. States, communities, schools and parents can work together to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for children, adolescents and their families by:

* Supporting healthy school nutrition environments by providing a quality school meal program, and offering students only healthy and appealing food and beverages outside the meal program.

* Developing comprehensive school physical activity programs that include quality physical education, classroom physical activity breaks, recess, joint-use agreements, and opportunities for physical activity before, during and after school.

* Increasing access to free drinking water and limiting the sale of drinks with added sugars in schools by strengthening nutrition standards for all foods and beverages in schools.

* Creating and maintaining safe neighborhoods for physical activity and improving access to parks and playgrounds.

What can parents do?

A variety of environmental factors determine whether or not the healthy choice is the easy choice for children and their parents. American society has become characterized by environments that promote increased consumption of less healthful food and decreased physical activity. The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to make sure your child is healthy:

Follow the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding age appropriate media time for children whether at home, school or child care.

Visit your child care center to see if it serves healthful foods and drinks, encourage physical activity and limit screen time.

Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables, limit foods high in solid fat and added sugars, and prepare healthier foods at family meals.

Save money and calories by serving your family tap water instead of drinks with added sugars.

Making sure your child gets physical activity each day. Learn how much physical activity children need.

Health Beat is a weekly spotlight on a wide range of health issues. The information contained here was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. View the CDC features online at www.cdc.gov/features.