According to the CDC, obese children are also more likely to become obese adults and develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes or suffer from a stroke or several types of cancer.
Melina Kantonen, a volunteer youth worker form Saint Paul's church in Cloquet, Minn., likes to keep her youth group active. "We play a lot of soccer, volleyball, basketball and kickball," she said.
Kantonen also encourages youth activities at other times besides Wednesday nights. Many of these events require physical activity such as volunteering to do yard work and bike rides on a nearby state trail.
According to Kantonen, another important step in the battle against childhood obesity is for youth leaders to "lead by example by exercising and eating right." She also suggests working along with parents to help them make better choices themselves. Finally, serving healthy snacks and exercising with the children can be beneficial in encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Because many children lack adequate physical activity during the week, setting aside time at youth group can ensure they participate at least once.
An important part of addressing the problem of childhood obesity is prevention. The Society for Nutrition Education suggests setting realistic goals for healthy eating, physical activity and a nurturing environment when dealing with the issue.
According to the Society of Nutrition Education, it is very important to promote healthy eating, not just by offering healthy snacks, but also by promoting healthy food choices at home. They suggest creating multiple opportunities for physical activity, as well. By providing a nurturing environment, children are taught to respect themselves and their bodies.
Although it is an increasing problem, there is hope in managing childhood obesity. Three years after Jessica's story came to light, she had lost a total of 320 pounds without surgery. She was put on a strict diet and attends physical therapy five days a week. She is now able to walk, albeit with some difficulty, and lives life as a normal 10-year-old girl.
Teaching children to respect themselves, eat right and get plenty of physical activity will prepare them to live long, healthy lives.
Statistics according to the CDC:• The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled, and in some cases tripled in the past 20 years.
• In some communities, almost half of the pediatric diabetes cases are type 2, which previously was thought only to affect adults.
• 70 percent of obese children have a chance of becoming obese adults.
• Less than 25 percent of high school students eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.
• One-third of high school students meet the recommended level of physical activity.
• 80 percent of children ages 5 and younger with working moms spend 40 hours a week in a daycare facility.
• Daily participation in physical education in schools has dropped 14 percentage points in the last 13 years.
• 7 percent of obese children suffer from sleep apnea.
• 61 percent of obese 5- to 10-year-olds already have risk factors for heart disease.
• 26 percent of those have two or more.
