[EQ] Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation

Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation

US White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity

Report May 11, 2010

Available online [PDF 124p.] at: http://bit.ly/8YoxsT

“…….The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a national health crisis. One in every three children (31.7%) ages 2-19 is overweight or obese.1 The life-threatening consequences of this epidemic create a compelling and critical call for action that cannot be ignored. Obesity is estimated to cause 112,000 deaths per year in the United States,2 and one third of all children born in the year 2000 are expected to develop diabetes during their lifetime.3 The current generation may even be on track to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.4

Along with the effects on our children’s health, childhood obesity imposes substantial economic costs. Each year, obese adults incur an estimated $1,429 more in medical expenses than their normal-weight peers.5  Overall, medical spending on adults that was attributed to obesity topped approximately $40 billion in 1998, and by 2008, increased to an estimated $147 billion.6 Excess weight is also costly during childhood, estimated at $3 billion per year in direct medical costs.7….
 

Table of Contents
The Challenge We Face

I.Early Childhood

A.Prenatal Care

B.Breastfeeding

C.Chemical Exposures

D.Screen Time
E.Early Care and Education

II.Empowering Parents and Caregivers

A.Making Nutrition Information Useful

B.Food Marketing

C.Health Care Services

III.Healthy Food in Schools

A.Quality School Meals

B.Other Foods in Schools

C.Food-Related Factors in the School Environment

D.Food in Other Institutions

IV.Access to Healthy, Affordable Food

A.Physical Access to Healthy Food

B.Food Pricing

C.Product Formulation

D.Hunger and Obesity

V. Increasing Physical Activity

A. School-Based Approaches

B. Expanded Day and Afterschool Activities

C. The “Built Environment” .

D. Community Recreation Venues

Conclusion

Summary of Recommendations

Endnotes

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