The dramatic increase in obesity in the country estimated at 30 percent in the adult population is now affecting children at an alarming rate.   About 15 percent of children and teenagers age 6-19 are overweight, which triples the rate in 1980; over 10 percent of younger children between the ages of 2 to 5 are overweight, up from 7 percent in 1994, according to a recent National Health and Nutrition Survey.

A significant concern with obesity among children is that these children are most likely to grow up to be overweight adults, thus putting them at a greater risk of developing serious health problems later in life. These health problems include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and other social problems associated with obesity. 

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, approximately 56 percent of Oklahoma adults are overweight and 21.9 percent are obese.  The proportion of overweight children has tripled since 1980.  A child must be heavier than 85 percent of other children who are the same age and height to be considered having a weight problem.  Health care provider use height/weight charts and other methods to determine if a child is overweight or not.   Weight problems are hard to fix, so it is important to avoid the problem from happening in the first place.

Tips to help children maintain a healthy body weight and prevent obesity.

• Offer healthy diets. No more than 30 percent of all the calories children eat should be fat calories.  Ask your healthcare provider or a dietitian about the right kinds of foods for children.  They also need lots of fiber from fruits, vegetables and grains.
• Limit television watching or video games playing, and encourage them to do something active, like riding a bicycle, playing ball or tag.
• Limit the consumption of sodas and other sugar-added drinks.  Plenty of fresh drinking water is good for children.
• Don not make a child to eat when he or she isn’t hungry
• Do not expect or force children to finish every drink or meal that is served.
• Do not use food to comfort or to reward children.
• Do not offer dessert as a reward for finishing a meal.  Doing this teaches your children to value sweets more than other foods.
• Limit eating at fast food restaurants to about once a week.
• Spend time being active with children—go on family walks and play outdoor games about three or more times a week.

Teach children good eating and exercise habits now to help them have a healthier life.  Remember, children’s eating habits are influenced by parents buying and eating habits.  Teaching good eating and exercise habits to children at an early age and making it a family routine helps prevent childhood obesity, which is likely to continue to adulthood, and increase the risk for serious health problems later in life.