Childhood obesity and malnutrition — an alarming epidemic
While Americans spend $40 million each year on books, programs and products designed to help us lose weight, our nation's children are increasingly overweight and undernourished. In fact, about 65 percent of Americans are overweight or obese.
Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate. In a recent study, 13% of all children aged 6 to 11 were found to be overweight as opposed to only 4% of children in the same age group during the 1960's. While another study indicates that childhood obesity levels are plateauing, the numbers are still far from positive.[4]
Childhood obesity can have devestating health effects -- from an increased incidence of childhood diabetes to fatty liver disease -- that are difficult, if not impossible to overcome. [5]
In addition, our nation's children are increasingly malnourished. How can obseity and malnutrition go hand in hand? Well, some studies have shown that low income families often cope with limited food dollars by purchasing less expensive but higher fat foods. So, at the same time that childhood obesity rates are rising, so too is childhood malnutrition.
Minor malnutrition has been shown to:
- Limit growth;
- Restrict brain development;
- Reduce the function of the immune system;
- Cause iron deficiency, thereby lowering the immune response and reducing a child's ability to concentrate on tasks; and
- Limit a child's cognitive development, overall learning potential and ability to succeed in school.[7]
HOW CAN YOU HELP FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND MALNUTRITION?
First, take the time to learn more about the devestating health effects on our nation's children. Then, get involved. If your community does not currently offer any programs designed to fight childhood obesity and malnutrition, start one!
The Junior League of Bronxville is working to combat childhood obesity and malnutrition in several ways:
First, the JLB sponsors a "Backpack Buddies" program designed to provide children from low-income families in Mount Vernon, New York, with healthy and nutritious meals and snacks that they can easily prepare for themselves. The JLB partnered with Whole Foods in White Plains, the Food Bank of Westchester and Trinity Place Church in Mount Vernon in making this program, the first long-term program of its kind in the area, possible.
In addition, JLB members have, over the last several years, contributed foodstuffs and made and served countless meals to hungry men, women and children in partnership with the Community Service Associates soup kitchen in downtown Mount Vernon. Community Service Associates serves over 72,000 meals and other services each year to those in need in Southern Westchester.
Last, the JLB joined with other members of the New York State Public Affairs Committee (NYSPAC) to support the enactment of legislation designed to improve the nutritional well-being of the children of New York State.
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Sources:
[1]
[2] Interview with Dr. James O. Hill, pediatrician and Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, January 9, 2004; .
[3] Mark Lino, PhD., et. al, The Quality of Young Children's Diets,Family Economics and Nutrition Review, published by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Available online at .
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7] Id. 6
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Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at 7:41 am under