Illinois is rated 23rd in overall obesity rates that include adults and children. In childhood obesity alone, Illinois ranks 4th according to the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. In DuPage County, 31% of children in elementary school are considered obese or overweight.
Measuring obesity
Childhood obesity is based on a child’s body mass index (BMI) that measures a child’s weight in relation to height. The BMI is plotted on a chart that is further divided into age and sex. This chart shows the percentile of how a child compares to other children in the same categories. The 85th to 94th percentile is considered overweight, while the 95th percentile and up is considered obese. Childhood obesity is calculated differently from adult obesity because children are still growing and their bodies are developing.
Why healthy weight matters
Childhood obesity can lead to the following health risks:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Low self esteem
- Breathing difficulties
These health problems may cause consequences during childhood and may project health issues into adulthood.
How to reduce obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle
Community education
Take advantage of educational opportunities offered through schools and local park districts. DuPage County has an initiative called FORWARD that provides information about promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
Get Active
Start moving. The Let’s Move initiative developed by First Lady Michelle Obama has a lot of information and ideas about getting physically active and fighting obesity. Kids should be active 60 minutes a day and adults 30 minutes a day. Try being active as a family and making healthier food choices together.
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