Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Read to Combat Childhood Obesity

It is no secret that Americans are fatter than they have ever been. Sadly, the number of children who are obese continues to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted some alarming statistics regarding childhood obesity on its website:
  • Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
  • 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. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.
  • In 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.1,2
  • Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors.3 Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.4
  • Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.5,6
 
To prevent childhood obesity, it is critical that parents teach and model healthy lifestyles early. I have written and illustrated two children's books that families can use to reinforce good nutrition, proper rest, and active lifestyles. In the next 5-7 days, I will be releasing Fit Girls Like You and Fit Boys Like You. I have created previews on my publishing site so that you may have a sneak peek! I would love to hear your feedback! Thank you for your continued support!
 
 
 

 


Be good to yourself! More next time...

 
 

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