One in 5 children in the United States are obese. 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. Communities, health professionals, and families 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 towards 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.
How can I help spread the word?
We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
Get Involved
Take action to increase awareness about childhood obesity.
- Host a community event in a local park to get neighborhood kids playing outside.
- Promote farm-to-school programs and school gardens.
- Host a community event where families can get active while learning about local health and fitness resources.
- Set an example by talking with family members and friends about eating healthy, getting enough physical activity, and limiting screen time.
Adapted from The American College of Sports Medicine and Let’sMove.gov.
For more information and materials, contact the American College of Sports Medicine at coam@acsm.org.
