Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do Nutrition and Physical Activity Among Youth

Why should children be physically active? It’s FUN! Reduces the risk of developing chronic disease Increases strength and endurance Reduces anxiety and stress Enhances self-esteem Assists in weight management Improves sleep habits Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

How many California adolescents meet recommendations for physical activity? 40% of boys 20% of girls Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

Percentage of U.S. high school students attending daily PE class Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

One indicator of inactivity in California children: About 1 in 5 walk to school About 4 in 5 are transported to school by car or school bus Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

How fit are California youth?… NOT VERY! Only 20% passed state fitness test by meeting minimum requirements for 4 measures: Strength Endurance Flexibility Aerobic Fitness

Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do What’s taking the place of physical activity? Watching TV and playing video games... Average time spent: 2.5 hours per day for 2-7 year-olds 4.5 hours per day for 8-18 year-olds

Prevalence of childhood overweight by hours of TV watched among 8-16 year-old children Percentage Overweight Time Spent Watching TV (hours per day) Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends: Limit TV viewing to 1-2 hours per day of quality program. Remove TV sets from childrens’ bedrooms. Children under 2 years of age should not watch television

Ideas for promoting physical activity among youth : Make it FUN! Encourage parents to be active with their children. Support opportunities for young people to be active. Important factors are...easy to get to, affordable, and at convenient times. Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

More ideas for promoting physical activity among youth: Emphasize the positive aspects of physical activity for kids such as….being more energetic and having fun. Support opportunities for children with all levels of physical abilities to enjoy moving their bodies. Encourage non-competitive activities and sports. Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

Why should children eat well? Helps kids grow and develop normally. Provides energy for active lifestyles. Is linked to higher grades in school. Helps kids look their best (healthy hair, skin, nails). Can help with weight management. Can help prevent development of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

Are California teens eating enough fruit and vegetables? NO. 20% of Boys 40% of Girls meet recommendations Recommended = 5 servings / day Average = 1.3 servings / day

Are California adolescents eating too much “junk” food? About 1/3 of students said they eat at least one or more meals or snacks per day from a fast food restaurant. About 1/3 of students said that they eat three or more servings per day of pastries, fried foods, chips, candy, and soda. Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do YES!...

Foods associated with childhood overweight Foods high in dietary fat Sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, Kool-Aid, fruit-flavored drinks Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

Eating patterns associated with high caloric intake: Not eating meals with family Eating while watching television or doing homework Skipping meals, especially breakfast Eating large, infrequent meals Constant snacking or “grazing” Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

Consequences of dieting for children: Stunting of growth in height Lower bone density Delayed puberty Fatigue Irregular menstrual cycles Sneaking and hiding food Binge eating Poor diet quality Being overweight later in life Is Dieting the Answer? No! Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

Ideas for promoting healthy eating among youth: Make healthy, appealing foods available at schools as well as childcare and before and after school programs Encourage families to eat together Decrease exposure and access to foods with little nutritional value Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do

More ideas for promoting healthy eating among youth: Limit television viewing – to reduce exposure to advertisements for high fat, high calorie foods Teach youth about the “perks” that matter to them in terms that they understand (e.g. providing energy, making one feel and look good) Children and Weight: What Communities Can Do