Youth Obesity & How We Can Help!

As you all know, and see everyday, obesity in our youth is very much on the rise.  In the past 30 years, the occurrence of overweight in children has doubled and it is now estimated that one in five children in the US is overweight. (American Obesity Association) 
Some of the results of being overweight as a child are:

• Insulin Resistance
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High Total and LDL Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood
• Low HDL Cholesterol levels in the blood
• Sleep Apnea
• Early puberty

Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, which puts them at increased risk for a number of diseases including: stroke, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers.

Some contributors to childhood obesity

• The main two:  Food choices and sedentary lifestyle.  Not enough fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates which result in healthy calories.  Not enough physical activity!  Too much TV, video games, computer, and I am sure they would say... homework! <smile>
• Parental Obesity - children of obese parents are more likely to be overweight themselves. They tend to follow what they observe.
• Eating Patterns - skipping meals or failure to maintain a regular eating schedule can result in increased caloric intake when food is eaten.  Remember, to keep the metabolism fire going, need to eat regularly!
• Of course, parenting style. As a community leaders, we need to be able to approach the subject with parents.  Kids don't always have the skills or mental capability to be their own regulators!

I know you may not feel it is "your place" to get involved with children's and parents lifestyle choices with regard to nutrition and exercise.  That maybe they should talk with there doctors or someone like that, but you as teachers, see them almost everyday!  Most of the time, you see them more than their parents!  They are, and need to be, learning from you and the whole school environment, starting at a young age.  I feel, in my profession, I can't, no matter how hard I try, save everybody.  But, if I can improve the lives of at least one or two people then it is a good start.

In this new year, add a little focus on nutrition, movement, and raising self esteem in a few of your lesson plans. Maybe you can help one or two kids and change their whole life path!  I have included some links that can help with curriculum incorporation.  They are very interesting! 

ACE (American Council on Exercise) Youth Fitness Resources:
http://www.acefitness.org/ofk/default.aspx

ACE Operation FitKids Curriculum
http://www.acefitness.org/ofk/curriculum.aspx

Livestrong - Obesity in Children and Exercise Article
http://www.acefitness.org/pressroom/pdfs/mediacoverage/ACE_Livestrong.com_6_19_10.pdf