1. Obesity Prevention in American Children
Blaire Jones | Arkansas State University |

2. What is Childhood Obesity?
Obesity is defined as an abnormal amount of fat accumulation that may impair a persons health.
Childhood Obesity is when a child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for children of their age and sex.
When considering the child’s BMI, doctors go off of a health chart that takes in to consideration the child’s age, height and sex.
When a child has a BMI that is in the 85th percentile or more, they are considered overweight. This is when actions should be taken.

3. Body Mass Index Chart

4. State Rankings 1. Tennessee 6. Alabama 37.7% overweight
2. North Dakota
37.1% overweight
3. Mississippi
37% overweight
4. Florida
36.6% overweight
5. Rhode Island
36.3% overweight
6. Alabama
35.5% overweight
7. West Virginia
35.1% overweight
8. Louisiana
34% overweight
9. Arkansas
33.9% overweight
10. Indiana
State Rankings
As of 2016, a study show that these are the top ten states who have the highest percentage of children diagnosed with obesity.

5. A closer look Symptoms of Obesity in Children: Appearance
Oily skin
Excessive Acne
Early break outs
Acne on areas other than face
Stretch marks on skin
Hips
Legs
Fatty tissue deposition
Psychological
Low self-esteem
Depression
Gastrointestinal
Constipation
Acid Reflux
Other:
Early menstrual cycle in girls
Before age 8
Delayed puberty in boys
Later than age 16
Shortness of breath
Flat feet
Sleep Apnea

6. Common Causes Genetic Factors Lack of Physical Activity Family History
Studies show that children of obese parents are most likely to become obese
Lack of Physical Activity
Advances in technology
Kids have phones/tablets at younger ages
Young boys prefer to play video games
Highly competitive sport teams
Coaches are teaching kids to win
Kids aren’t being taught how to have fun
Life Style
Children are not being taught how to be active
Children are not encouraged to go outside and play

7. Common Causes Medical Conditions Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Hormonal Imbalances
Hypothyroidism
The child has an underactive thyroid
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Cysts on ovaries
Hypopituitarism
The pituitary gland does not make certain horomones
Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Busy Parents
Fast food
Parents are not taking the time to teach the importance of healthy eating
Children are not aware of the risks of unhealthy eating
They are learning habits early

8. Negative Effects Diabetes Asthma Eating Disorders Hypertension
1/3 of obese children have diabetes
Asthma
1/3 of obese children have asthma
Eating Disorders
2/3 of obese children have eating disorders
Hypertension
¼ of obese children have high blood pressure

9. How to prevent obesity

10. Portion Control Grains Fruits Dairy Vegetables Protein Sweets
6-11 servings per day
About 8 ounces a day
4 ounces should be whole grain
Bread
Rice
Pasta
Fruits
2-3 servings per day
About 12 ounces a day
Banana
Apple
Blueberry
Cucumbers
Dairy
2-3 servings per day
About 24 ounces a day
Milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Vegetables
2-3 servings per day
About 16 ounces a day
Spinach
Carrots
Peas
Corn
Protein
2 servings per day
About 6 ounces a day
Chicken
Turkey
Nuts
Fish
Sweets
1 serving per day
1 ounce a day
Cookies
Cakes
Brownies

11. How to Teach Healthy Eating
Encourage Kids
Involve Kids in meals
Allow kids to help cook
Allow them to choose which foods to eat
Ask them what they would like you to cook
Encourage kids to play outside
Be a Role Model
Set a good example for kids to follow
If kids watch you eating unhealthy foods, they will choose to eat unhealthy as well
Kids learn from watching
If parents are out and active daily, they will choose to be as well
When parents portion meals, kids learn to not overeat

12. Resources Childhood Obesity Foundation Food Guide for Children
State Rankings
Late Puberty
Early Puberty
Family Health Guide
Symptoms and Causes
Healthy Eating