September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. According to a survey by the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS), approximately 32% of Texas children are either overweight or obese as determined by having a Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or above. Studies have shown children and adolescents who are overweight or obese are more likely to face long-term health challenges into adulthood. By the same token, however, individuals that form healthy lifestyle habits during childhood are also more likely to continue these behaviors into adulthood. Given these facts, this awareness month was initiated as a way to shed light on the importance of teaching children how to make healthy choices. In this week’s article, I would like to share with you information about the risks associated with childhood obesity as well as prevention strategies and healthy lifestyle tips.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) research has shown that childhood obesity can lead to the occurrence of certain health disorders in children that were once previously contained to adult populations. In fact, the American Heart Association reports that overweight children ages 7-13 can develop heart disease as young as 24 years old. Childhood obesity can also lead to physiological effects such as low self-esteem, depression and negative body image in addition to physical conditions. Moreover, children and adolescents who are overweight or obese are more likely to battle obesity as adults. This can lead to an increased risk of development of long-term health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
One of the best ways to treat and prevent childhood obesity is for families to work together to improve their overall diet. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created a website to provide the families with useful nutritional information and healthy eating solutions. The Choose My Plate website contains a variety of tools such as healthy, affordable recipes and dietary guidelines in order to help families build healthier eating habits through small lifestyle changes. To learn more about how to make healthy dietary choices, visit the USDA’s Choose My Plate.
In addition, the American Heart Association recommends several key changes families can make to prevent childhood obesity. The best way to build positive habits by making small changes over time. These changes include:
1. Build healthy eating habits – Encouraging children to follow a nutritious diet of whole fruit, vegetables, low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products, lean proteins, and whole-grain products. Be sure to educate children on the importance of proper portion sizes.
2. Remove calorie-rich temptations – Teach children the importance of moderation in relation to treats that are high in fat or sugar. Help children make healthier snacking decisions by keeping fruit and vegetables readily available.
3. Help your kids understand the benefits of being physically active – Educate children on the positive, long-term health benefits of physical activity such as increasing self-esteem, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.
4. Ensure regular physical activity – Help children to strive to get a recommended 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day through such activities as walking, dancing, swimming or playing sports. Parents can help children to reach this goal by increasing their own activity level.
5. Reduce sedentary time – Although quiet time for reading and homework is fine, limit “screen time” (TV, video games, Internet) to no more than two hours a day.
To learn more about statistics relating to childhood obesity, please visit Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Additional information about risk factors and prevention information is also available by visiting the American Heart Association.
If you would like to review more about the legislature, please visit the Texas Legislature online. If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office; 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
