The CDC has awarded $6 million in grant money to San Diego State University to study childhood obesity. The Massachusetts DHS also received $1.7 million to explore treatment options for overweight kids in New Bedford, Mass., and Fitchburg, Mass. Here is a Q-and-A about juvenile obesity and how those grants will be used.
How many children are obese or overweight?
Worldwide, one-third of children are overweight or obese. In 2010, 43 million children younger than 5 were overweight. Obesity and overweight rates have doubled for children ages 2-5 and teenagers. For children ages 6-11, the rate has tripled. 23 million children age 6-11 are overweight and 9 million are obese.
How does the U.S. compare, for childhood obesity?
The U.S. ranks number one for fattest country in the world and also for largest percentage of obese or overweight children. In the U.S., 35.9 percent of girls are overweight or obese and 35 percent of boys. 17 percent of children ages 2-19 are obese. 30 states have childhood obesity or overweight rates at or over 30 percent. According to the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) all of North America has juvenile obesity rates over 24 percent.
How is juvenile obesity determined?
A BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a calculation based on height to weight ratio; it's used to categorize people into weight categories: obese (fattest), overweight, normal and underweight. The BMI calculator used for children is slightly different than an adult BMI calculator. The juvenile BMI calculator is designed to account for changes in developmental needs based on age and gender. It is calibrated to reflect not only birth date, but also age at which the BMI is taken. Parents should use the juvenile BMI calculator for children ages 2-20 years old.
What does the BMI mean for kids?
Instead of definite numbers that determine obesity and overweight, juvenile BMI calculations are compared to growth charts. When individual data about a child is given, the resulting figures are plotted on a graph and the child is assigned a percentile. For example: a girl who is 13 years and 6 months old, who is 5'6" and weighs 120 pounds, has a BMI of 19.4, is in the 54th percentile, or normal weight range. A BMI at or above the 85th percentile are considered overweight. Children over the 95th percentile are considered obese.
Why were SDSU and Massachusetts DHS chosen to research childhood obesity?
The Massachusetts DHS is focusing on two communities, New Bedford and Fitchburg. Both of these areas have high incidences of childhood obesity and low-income families. SDSU plans to use children in Imperial County, Calf., as a field laboratory. Imperial has a 39-percent childhood obesity rate, along with high poverty and unemployment. Low-income and childhood obesity are linked. One out of seven children in low-income families is overweight.
How will SDSU use the $6 million grant?
Program director Guadalupe Ayala says the study takes a "holistic approach." SDSU researchers will work with parents, children, school and even grocery stores to develop obesity awareness and intervention programs. They will focus on clinical treatment, school nutrition programs and adding more public drinking fountains.
How will the Massachusetts DHS use their grant money?
The New Bedford DHS will partner with health care providers, fitness and nutrition experts and schools in an initiative called "Mass in Motion." They are also implementing a nutrition improvement program with local restaurants called "Healthy Dining New Bedford."
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 23 years parenting four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and homeschool.
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