Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, with 1 in 5 children worldwide considered overweight or obese. In the U.S., the prevalence rate is 19.7%, affecting nearly 15 million children and adolescents. Patricia Wu and Jessica Reyes break down the story with Dr. Jude Black.
BMI does not define overall health
While BMI is used to diagnose obesity, experts warn it’s not the sole indicator of a child’s health. Other factors like genetics, nutrition, access to healthy food, toxic stress, and sleep patterns also play significant roles.
The risks of childhood obesity
Recent studies have shown increased risks associated with childhood obesity, including higher mortality rates, increased weight-loss surgeries, and difficulty achieving healthy weight. However, early intervention and caregiver education have shown promising results in combating this issue.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle
To address childhood obesity, experts recommend focusing on healthy living as a family, avoiding stigmatizing language, and emphasizing balanced meals and physical activity. Promoting healthy eating habits, reintroducing disliked foods in new ways, and finding creative ways to increase movement can all contribute to a child’s overall well-being.
For more information on Dr. Jude Black, visit her website and connect with her on Instagram.
