One in 5 children in the United States have obesity. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. We can work together to create opportunities for kids to eat healthier and get more active.
Make a difference for kids: spread the word about strategies for preventing childhood obesity and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
How can National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month make a difference?
We can all use this month to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how they can help work toward a solution.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Encourage families to make small changes, like keeping fresh fruit within reach or going on a family walk after dinner.
- Motivate teachers and administrators to make schools healthier. Help them provide healthy food options and daily physical activities for students.
- Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by supporting programs to prevent childhood obesity.
Share These Resources
Health Topics
- Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
- Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents
- Eat Healthy
- Get Active
- Ride Your Bike Safely
- Swim Safely: Quick tips
Healthy People Topic Areas
Personal Health Tools
- BMI Percentile Calculator for Child and Teen
- MyPlate Blast Off Game
- BAM! Body and Mind
- Eat Healthy, Move More Chart [PDF – 91 KB]
- Healthy Adventure Infographic [PDF – 572 KB]
Other Resources
Find More Information
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - How Much Physical Activity Do You Need?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Eight Healthy Eating Goals
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition - Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Everyday Ideas to Move More
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - MyPlate Kids’ Place
United States Department of Agriculture - Healthy Weight Basics
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Nutrition Tools and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Physical Activity Community-Wide Campaigns
Community Preventive Services Task Force
compliments of www.healthfinder.gov
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)