National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the growing obesity epidemic among children. This effort is led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Top 5 Facts to Know

Rising Rates: Nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has obesity.

Health Impacts: Childhood obesity can lead to lifelong health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Contributing Factors: Poor diet and lack of exercise are major contributors.

Screen Time: Excessive screen time has been linked to increased risk of obesity in children.

Early Intervention: The earlier the intervention, the better the long-term outcomes.

3 Ways to Be a Better Force for Health Related to Childhood Obesity

Promote Healthy Eating: Advocate for nutrition education and access to healthy foods.

Encourage Physical Activity: Promote physical activities that children enjoy.

Support Policy Changes: Advocate for healthier school lunches and physical education programs.

Resource Sites
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
American Heart Association: www.heart.org
Childhood Obesity Foundation: www.childhoodobesityfoundation.ca