Michelle, Elmo, and anthropomorphized vegetables teach children about healthy eating.

Michelle, Elmo, and anthropomorphized vegetables teach children about healthy eating.

Michelle Obama- are you trying to make me weep with joy? You come to DC and the first thing you do is visit a community health center.  Next you plant an organic garden on the White House lawn.  Now you come on my favorite childhood show and deliver a public health message! What on earth will be next?

Sadly, childhood obesity has become increasingly widespread problem in the United States. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found between the first survey (1971-1974) and the most recent one (2003-2006) increases in the prevalence of overweight children to be:

  • 5% to 12% among the Sesame Street crowd, preschoolers age 2-5
  • 4% to 17% among the Sponge Bob Square Pants crowd, kids 6-11
  • 6% to 18% among the Aqua Teen Hunger Force crowd, youth 12-19

When broken down by race, health inequities become evident.

In 2003-2006, among boys 12-19, the prevalence of obesity to be

  • 17% among non-Hispanic white youth
  • 19% among African American youth
  • 22% among Mexican-American youth

In 2003-2006, among girls 12-19, the prevalence of obesity to be

  • 15% among non-Hispanic white youth
  • 28% among African American youth
  • 20% among Mexican-American youth

Although genetics can play a role in whether or not an individual will become obese, behavioral and environmental factors are a more likely responsible for the huge jump in prevalence.

During Mrs. Obama’s PSA she encourages parents to be healthy role models for their children. The 2005 Institute of Medicine report “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Healthy Bodies in Balance” also recommended parents “serve as positive role models for their children regarding eating and physical activity.”  Other IOM recommendations for parents include:

  • “Choose exclusive breastfeeding as the method for feeding infants for the first 4 to 6 months of life.
  • Provide healthful food and beverage choices for children by carefully considering nutrient quality and energy density.
  • Assist and educate children in making healthful decisions regarding types of foods and beverages to consume, how often, and in what portion size.
  • Encourage and support regular physical activity.
  • Limit children’s television viewing and other recreational screen time to less than 2 hours per day.
  • Discuss weight status with their child’s health-care provider and monitor age- and gender-specific BMI percentile.”

With possible consequences such as Type II diabetes and asthma, the growing prevalence of overweight children is cause for worry.

Fortunately people, including the president and his wife, are starting to pay attention. Schools are pulling soda from vending machines, recess is being resuscitated, and some are even reintegrating local produce into their cafeterias.  In September, 2008, Takoma Park Middle School students celebrated their first “Homegrown School Lunch Week.”

Want to learn more?

Haven’t seen Mrs. Obama’s adorable PSA yet?  Watch it here

Sesame Street has resources for parents and fun activities for children as part of the Let’s Get Healthy program

Want to find a Farm to School program near you?  Go here

Crave more statistics on obesity?  The CDC has plenty!