According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 children and adolescents have obesity. In observance of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September, we talked to Jasmine Waipa, M.D., pediatrician at Keanuenue Pediatrics about the causes and consequences of childhood obesity.
Q&A with Jasmine Waipa, M.D.
Why is childhood obesity a problem in the U.S.?
Obesity, or carrying excess body weight compared to height, is associated with ailments that can decrease quality of life, sometimes chronically. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic joint pain can lead not only to shorter lifespans but to more challenges physically and socioemotionally.
What are some causes of childhood obesity?
- Less access to safe outdoor play spaces.
- Economic stressors making activities like sports participation or shopping for healthy food unaffordable.
- Increase in sedentary behaviors such as screen time.
- Genetic factors.
- Cultural factors.
- Drinking sugary drinks.
What can we do to help prevent childhood obesity?
- Start building healthy habits at a young age, such as:
- Getting enough sleep.
- Regular physical activity.
- Enjoying a balanced diet.
- Limit added sugar when introducing complementary foods to infants.
- Prioritize unprocessed, whole foods.
- Encourage kids to drink lots of water.
Make healthy eating fun!
What if my child is a picky eater and doesn’t want to eat fruits or vegetables?
Kids learn the most through modeling. So, when we walk the talk, then they’ll see us eating and enjoying fruits and vegetables. The more we normalize that behavior, the more likely they are to follow suit.
Also, it’s fine to accept that your child may not choose to eat what you’ve prepared. Remember, you’re not a short-order chef, and it’s OK to let them choose hunger. The less dramatic we are, the more they feel they can trust their hunger cues and make choices about their food.
Healthy eating resources
The U.S. government offers a variety of engaging articles, videos, and even games to teach keiki about nutrition.
AgLab: Learn about food science and how it impacts our daily lives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Healthy snacks: Snacking doesn’t have to be about junk food. Find out how kids can help prepare easy and healthy snacks.
MyPlate for kids: Introduce your child to the five food groups one bite at a time!
Read the Label for kids: Understanding how to read food labels is a skill that will benefit kids for the rest of their lives.
Feeding and entertaining keiki
Here are some recipes and activities the whole family can enjoy together:
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