STILLWATER, Okla. -- With the dramatic increase of obesity among Americans of all ages, parents should encourage their children to get active and be healthy.

Being overweight is a problem for nearly 19 percent of children ages 6 to 11 and 17 percent of adolescents ages 12 to19. The number of overweight adolescents has nearly tripled in the past 30 years according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

“The number of obese people over the past two decades has doubled and this has large health implications,” said Deana Hildebrand, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition specialist. “A person who is considered obese has an increased risk for a number of serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and some types of cancer.”

A significant concern with obesity among younger children is that they are most likely to grow up to be overweight adults, thus putting them at a greater risk for some major health problems.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, approximately 36 percent of all Oklahoma adults are overweight and 23 percent are obese. The proportion of overweight children has tripled since 1980.

“Weight problems are hard to fix, so it is important to avoid the problem from happening in the first place,” she said.

Encourage children to have better eating habits. Most of what they eat depends on what parents purchase at the grocery store and the number of times fast food meals are eaten.

Try not to buy foods that are pre-packaged, sugary or high in fat. Instead buy foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. For the entire family to start eating a healthier diet, try planning, shopping and preparing meals together. When you eat out, choose regular size portions instead of super-sized. Choose a side salad or fruit instead of chips or French fries.

Parents and educators must work together to make physical activity a priority for children and help them develop the concept of exercising into a lifelong habit, said Hildebrand.

March is National Nutrition Month ® and it focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

Hildebrand challenges parents to pick up healthy eating habits during the month of March and continue them throughout the rest of the year. Kids learn from their parents. If they see a parent eating healthy they are more likely to have healthy eating habits.

Hildebrand offers these tips to help children maintain a healthy body weight:

• Do not make a child eat when he or she is not hungry—it is OK if not every drink or every meal gets finished.
• Do not use food to comfort or to reward.
• Do not offer dessert as a reward for finishing a meal. Doing this teaches your child to value sweets more than other foods.
• Offer healthy diets. Serve a fruit or vegetable with every meal and snack. Add fiber with whole grain cereals, breads and crackers. Other ideas are available at MyPyramid.gov. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can also teach you about the right kinds of foods for children.
• Eating at fast food restaurants should not exceed once a week.
• Limit how much television children watch to less than two hours each day. Encourage them to do something active, like riding a bicycle, playing ball or tag.
• Spend time being active with children—go on family walks and play outdoor games whenever possible.
• Teach children good eating and exercise habits now to help them have a healthier life.

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http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/katie.reim-40okstate.edu/obesity-is-a-weighty-health-concern

Contact: Katie L. Reim, (405) 744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu