For children, making good health decisions starts with the influence of a parent or guardian. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, an opportunity to encourage healthy growth in children and learn about why childhood obesity is a major public health problem.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 19 percent of children in the United States have obesity or about one in every five children. These children are more likely to be obese as adults and are at higher risk for serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint issues, cancer and type 2 diabetes. They are also likely to suffer from depression, lower self-esteem and social isolation.

Kelli Bitner, Family Practice Nurse Practitioner at Prowers Medical Center, said sugary foods and drinks, lack of activity and too much screen time are a few of the leading causes for local childhood obesity. Genetics, metabolism and community and social factors also play a role, according to the CDC.

Children typically learn healthy habits from their parents, who serve as role models for physical activity and make meal decisions in the family.

“Kids tend to follow what their parents do,” Bitner said. “If their parents aren’t eating a healthy diet or exercising regularly, then they likely won’t pick up these habits either.”

Establishing Healthy Behaviors

To best prevent or treat obesity, children should eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods and participate in regular exercise.

“Developing healthy eating habits as a child promotes healthy eating as an adult and decreases chronic medical conditions,” Bitner said.

Prowers Medical Center Clinic providers and staff encourage children and their parents to memorize the 5-2-1-0 rule when trying to maintain a healthy weight.

  • 5 — Eat at least five fruits and vegetables every day.
  • 2 — Minimize screen time to no more than two hours a day, including phones, computers, tablets, TV and video games.
  • 1 — Exercise for at least one hour per day through organized sports, playing outdoors, walking, riding a bike or other physical activities.
  • 0 — Encourage zero intake of sugary drinks.

The best way to limit the number of unhealthy drinks and snacks children have access to is to avoid purchasing these items while at the grocery store.

“If it’s available in the pantry, kids are going to pick chips or soda over an apple or another healthy snack,” Bitner said. “Parents should purchase healthy snacks so that the fatty and sugary snack options are simply unavailable.”

Schedule a Well-Child Check

Annual well-child checks are recommended to ensure your child is growing and developing in a healthy manner. Children naturally have different body types, and your provider can help you determine if your child is overweight. During a well-child check, your provider will measure your child’s weight and height and compute their BMI, while also considering their age and growth patterns.

Be honest with your child and talk to them about the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Remember to be supportive and help them develop a plan to get to a healthy weight.

You can also reach out to a licensed nutritionist for additional assistance or ask your child’s provider about healthy eating during their next well-child check.

For more information about Family Medicine services at Prowers Medical Center Clinic or to schedule a well-child check, call 719-336-6767.