Childhood Obesity / Parks & Playgrounds

Childhood obesity rates have risen dramatically over the past 30 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 19 percent of young people aged 6–11 years are obese, while more than 17 percent of 12 to 19 year olds are. The CDC estimates that the total cost of obesity in the United States in the year 2000 was $117 billion.

While some cases of obesity may be caused by genetics or other factors, most are the result of modifiable behaviors such as overeating, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.

Your child may have a shorter life expectancy than you do, according to a March 2005 report in the New England Journal of Medicine. That study claims that childhood obesity rates may cut life expectancy by two to five years—a decline not seen since the Great Depression.

According to the American Obesity Association, children who are overweight are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, asthma and hypertension—all of which were once considered adult problems. These children are also more susceptible to heart disease and arthritis-related disabilities.

Childhood obesity can be prevented—and often solved—with lifestyle changes. A modified diet, increased physical activity and behavioral therapy can all help.

Of course, the best bet against childhood obesity is prevention.

Along with a balanced diet, one of your best defenses is to make sure that your child exercises every day. Visit the links below to learn more about what EarthShare’s member organizations are doing to promote active communities and make sure that all Americans have parks, playgrounds, trails and other open spaces for healthy and safe recreational opportunities.

Learn more—listen to our public service announcements, and browse through our newly updated resources.

• Childhood Obesity: Risk Factors & Diagnosis, American Obesity Association
• Preventing Childhood Obesity, Mayo Clinic
• Childhood Obesity Fact Sheets, Center for Disease Control
• Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator for Children and Teens, Center for Disease Control

• The Importance of Physical Activity and Good Nutrition, Center for Disease Control
• The Benefit of Parks, The Trust for Public Land
• Enjoy our National Parks, National Parks Conservancy
• Healthy Trails, Healthy People, New York Parks and Trails
• Making Weight Loss a Family Affair, American Heart Association
• Helping Your Overweight Child, Weight Control Information Network
• Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvest

• Treating Childhood Obesity, Discovery Health
• The myGo Healthy Challenge
• Kids Care, Points of Light Foundation
• Check out our Childhood Obesity Public Service Ad