childhood obesity

A problem that doesn’t have to be

By Tony Romano 

Pleasingly plump” was once considered a positive trait. Some excess body weight was considered attractive and even regarded as a symbol of status and wealth. Today, however, extra pounds are hardly thought of as healthy, let alone pleasing. The widespread obesity among American adults is well-chronicled these days, but a less talked about problem is one that can lead to adult obesity: childhood obesity.

The thought that children are increasingly overweight in America is particularly sad. Childhood is a beautiful time in life and shouldn’t be marred by all the health problems that obesity brings with it.
What’s being done about this? What can be done?

Education beyond the Three Rs

Aside from the traditional curriculum in schools, educators and leading minds in education are taking a keen interest in the overall health of children these days. It’s a good thing. Healthy kids are more apt to learn and enjoy learning – a better situation for the children and teachers alike. With the obvious links between obesity and poor health in general, policymakers and community leaders have begun programs aimed specifically at encouraging kids to develop better nutrition and exercise habits in school – in hopes that such habits will follow them home as well.

A prime example of such a program is the Winners of Wellness program. Under Winners of Wellness, a $2,500 grant is being used in 10 Stark County elementary schools to assist them in meeting the mandates of the Federal Nutrition Act – a law passed by Congress in 2004 to “strengthen nutritional service programs” in schools. Winners of Wellness provides interactive assemblies where wellness and nutrition lessons are taught through music, movement and audience participation.

What you can do as a parent

As with any other vexing social problem, the ultimate solutions are not found in government or with teachers, no matter how well-intentioned. The most effective answers to the problem of childhood obesity are in the home, starting with parents.

Diet and exercise are two vital components to maintaining a healthy weight at any age. And remember, obesity is much easier to prevent than it is to overcome.

By paying attention to your child’s eating habits beginning early, you can effectively stave off weight problems in the first place – and that’s an ounce of prevention that could truly be worth several pounds of cure. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy snacks (more nuts and fruit, less sugar and fewer processed foods) are an ideal starting point. Proteins are important as well and should be incorporated into an overall balanced diet. Have your kids go easy on the fats and sweets – including soda, chips/fries and the heavily processed confections in the cupcake-and-donut aisle.

For youngsters, spontaneous exercise these days almost appears to be a lost art. Bundles of energy from toddler-hood on, children’s natural state seems to be one of constant motion. But in years past, such energy seems to have had more outlets. Those of us in older generations (“X” and earlier) grew up mostly outdoors – riding bikes or skateboards, playing backyard football or soccer, shooting hoops, hiking and camping, etc. Although plenty of children are still seen outside nowadays, one must wonder what effect all the video games, cable TV, instant messaging, MySpace and other sedentary activities are having on the waistlines of America’s youth. Encouraging your kids to get up off the couch and out into the sunshine can help keep excess weight off, boost endorphin levels and generally imbue them with a “healthy glow” over the long run.

Childhood obesity is an issue that can be handled, household by household, and prevented in large measure by common sense. 

Tony Romano is communications coordinator for Nationwide Health Plans.

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