University Park, Pa. -- New data show that childhood obesity in the United States is rising exponentially, and the alarming increase is indicative of an environmental issue, according to an expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
"Childhood obesity has doubled in the last 20 years and tripled in the last 30," said Lynn James, a Penn State Cooperative Extension foods and nutrition educator and registered dietitian based in Northumberland County. "When rates increase this fast, it's definitely environmental, not genetic."
More than 23 million -- almost one in three -- children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 are considered overweight or obese in this country, and health experts are now calling it an epidemic. In response to the climbing numbers, a resolution was unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate earlier this year proclaiming September as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
The Centers for Disease Control consider children overweight if their body mass index is above the 85th percentile and obese if it is above the 95th percentile.
"This means they are at higher risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems as children, teens and young adults. There are several contributing factors to childhood obesity, such as sedentary behavior and consuming calorie-laden drinks and bigger food portions," James explained. "These are all reasons why children are gaining weight -- but the biggest contributor is diet."
The size of food portions has increased, and families dine out more frequently, according to James, who noted that people need to know what's going into their food. "We need to take the time to make nutritious meals," she said. "Extension's many food and nutrition programs teach people how to do that."
James is state co-chair of nutrition, diet and health programs for Penn State Cooperative Extension. She also is lead author of the Family Fitness Program, an after-school course held for the families of children between the ages of 8 and 12 who are either overweight or at risk of being overweight. Teachers also use the curriculum for in-school lessons.
"As part of the program, educators meet with children, parents and adult caregivers to teach them techniques for healthy exercise and improving diet quality, family communication and agreement on healthy lifestyles," she said. "The main goals are to increase fruit, vegetable, whole grain and low-fat dairy consumption; increase child and family physical activity; and help maintain BMI six months after completion of the program for overweight youth as they continue to grow."
The program has won several awards, such as the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association Program of the Year and the American Dietetic Association Nutrition Education for the Public Program of Excellence.
To learn more about the Family Fitness Program, visit the website at http://extension.psu.edu/familyfitness or call James at 570-988-3950.
"I believe that the observance of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month will help inform the public of how serious the issue is and encourage behavior change," she said. "A lot of parents don't realize their children are overweight and the resulting health consequences. We need to modify our lifestyles to improve our nation's health, and Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is a step in the right direction."