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Childhood Obesity |
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The government, food industry, media and
communities’ efforts to address the childhood obesity epidemic fall short of adequately addressing the problem, according to a new report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Increased funding, proper evaluation of programs and improved dissemination of information were just some of the recommendations offered by the IOM’s Committee on Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity. Between 1963 and 2004, the obesity rate for children ages 6–11 years has nearly quadrupled (from 4% to 19%) and has tripled for children ages 2–5 years (5% to 14%) and youth ages 12–19 years (5% to 17%). Currently, 33.6% of American children are obese or at risk of becoming obese with minority children living in low-income areas at greatest risk. While the severity of the childhood obesity crisis is generally recognized, the programs in place today to increase physical activity and healthful eating in children and youth are “fragmented and small-scale.” Furthermore, there are no standardized monitoring or evaluation methods to determine if the programs are effective or ways to identify and implement successful programs on a larger scale. The “Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity: How Do We Measure Up?” report recommends that federal, state and local governments establish a high-level task force to coordinate public-sector efforts, implement and monitor all childhood obesity prevention programs and expand promising programs. In addition, funding for childhood obesity prevention research should be increased. The food and media industries can also play an important role in supporting childhood obesity prevention. Food companies should offer healthier and smaller portions and media companies should share information that promotes healthful diets and regular physical activity. Other recommendations by the 13-member panel of public health experts include requiring daily physical education in schools and physical activity in preschool, childcare and after-school programs; improving sidewalks and street crossings to allow children to walk and bicycle to school; providing farmers’ markets and farm stands in low-income communities to increase the availability of fresh produce; and establishing policies on the types of foods and beverages that are advertised and marketed to children age 12 and younger during children’s television programming. |
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