Kelly Vogt Information for Parents CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN LOW INCOME AREAS

STATISTICS The amount of overweight children is rapidly growing Around 2.7 million children ages are obese Obesity was found more prevalent in Hispanics over whites Growing up in a low income area, children have two times the odds of becoming obese than regular income areas

 There is a direct correlation between income and overweight children  Low income areas are filled with fast food restaurants  The cheapest easiest food is fast food OBESITY AND INCOME

 In low income areas most parks are not safe for children  Parents will not allow the kids to play outside  This leads to a sedentary lifestyle  Video games are the biggest go to activity SAFETY

 In low income areas children and parents may not be educated on a proper diet  Proper education on diet is important  Portion size and ingredients need to be managed EDUCATION

 Overall, children whose parents went to college had half the prevalence of obesity than those who did not OBESITY CYCLE

 A food desert is an area where there are no fresh supermarkets  This is very common in low income areas  A study showed that a higher presence of super markets has a lower percentage of obese people  Fast food is the only option for families  High in Saturated fats and sodium FOOD DESERTS

 Obesity is not just a problem now, it has a ripple affect  Obesity causes heart disease and type 2 diabetes  Our health care will have to take care of this when our younger generations grow older  We will be paying more for health care to pay for the obese WHAT THIS WILL LEAD TO

 When a child is obese at a younger age it is harder to become a healthy body weight later in life  This will lead to depression and laziness Junk Food

 Parents have a huge role on their children  If the parents are eating unhealthy, so will the child  Healthy options need to be provided and encouraged  Portions need to be correct and controlled PARENTS ROLE

 Low fat intake  A lot of water  Fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains CORRECT DIET FOR CHILDREN

 Be a good example  Provide healthy options  Limit video games WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO

 Fill up on vegetables  Use games as exercise  Eat fruit for dessert  Limit eating out EASY WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY

 Tag  Hide and seek  Kickball  Whiffle ball  Games are the easiest way to get exercise into your child's day GAMES

 Education, influence, and income are the three main things causing childhood obesity. If we focus on improving these areas, obesity in children can decrease dramatically. REVIEW

 SOURCES