Childhood obesity is a serious problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The CDC reports the percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. And, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period. Obese kids are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems. Obese kids are also more likely to become obese adults with associated serious health problems. Families in Syracuse have therefore been searching for safe and effective natural manners to help their kids prevent obesity.
Nutrition Horizon has reported "Evidence Shows How Childhood Obesity Can Be Prevented." According to a new review of the evidence targeting children who are aged six to 12 with school-based programmes that encourage healthy eating, physical activity and positive attitudes to body image are among a range of effective interventions to reduce levels of obesity. Lead researcher of this study, Professor Elizabeth Waters, has said "There is now compelling evidence that strategies can be implemented to halt the growing rates of obesity in children." Obesity is strongly linked to inappropriate nutrition and low levels of physical activity, therefore many effective programs aimed at preventing obesity focus on improving either or both of these behaviours. The findings of this study show that obesity prevention is worth investing in.
It is suggested that strategies seeking to change environments instead of just the behavior of individuals are most successful. Advice includes adding healthy eating, physical activity and body image awareness to school curricula, increasing the number of opportunities for physical activity and the development of fundamental movement skills during the school week, improving the nutritional quality of food supplied in schools, and the creation of environments and cultural practices within schools that support children eating healthier foods and being active throughout each day. It is also advised that support be given to teachers, other school staff members, and parents to help encourage healthy activities in kids which can prevent obesity. This advice has within it the potential to help nurture healthier kids, healthier communities and healthier nations.
