Preschoolers aren’t getting any fatter, according to a new report.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just announced that the nation’s obesity epidemic has stabilized in the past five years among preschool-age children. According to researchers, 14.6 percent of 2- to 4-year-old children were obese in 2008, which is about the same as in 2003, but still higher than in 1998 when about 12 percent of preschoolers were obese.
The CDC defines obesity as having a body mass index, which ranked at or above the 95th percentile on growth charts. Much has been made of preventing childhood obesity as studies show the condition increases the risks of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. CDC officials also noted that obesity is associated with more than 100,000 U.S. deaths each year.
While health experts call the new report “encouraging,” they still warn parents that they should not become complacent in their efforts to get their kids to eat right and exercise. The CDC is urging parents to get their preschoolers to consume more water and fresh fruits and vegetables while reducing the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages and high fat foods they take in.
The report also gave credit to parents of preschoolers who attended programs that encouraged breast-feeding, consumption of low-fat or fat-free milk by children, and reduced television viewing.
In regards to demographics, the study found that American Indians and Alaska Natives were the only racial or ethnic group where the proportion of obese children rose from 2003 to 2008. Hispanic preschoolers had the next-highest obesity rate in 2008 at 18.5 percent, with 12.6 percent of young white children and 11.8 percent of black children considered obese.
If you fear that your preschooler is at risk for childhood obesity, health experts recommend that you take action now. First, consult your child’s physician. Next, create a plan that includes exercising with your preschooler while teaching him how to eat healthy foods.
Related Articles:
Kids, Parents, Fast Food and NON-Melting Ice Cream
Fast Food Kids’ Meals—How Healthy Are They?
Kids And Juice—Are They A Healthy Mix?
Is There Such A Thing As A Healthy Hamburger?