In the United States, 17 percent of children ages 2-19 are obese and, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, 8.9 percent of children ages 2-4 are obese. Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to be obese as adults. Also, being overweight or obese as children can lead to early onset of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma and osteoarthritis. [1],[2]
While the causes of obesity are complex, there are some easy ways to help children live more healthy and active lives and that can help prevent them from long-term chronic diseases related to being overweight or obese. Child care centers can use the 5-2-1-0 method to help make sure kids get healthy meals and drinks and to encourage outdoor time during the daily schedule. It’s also an easy way to talk about healthy active living with parents of children in the program so that parents and teachers are on the same page about this critical issue.
The 5-2-1-0 method helps increase healthy foods and exercise and decrease the amount of calories children consume through sugary drinks.[3]
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimburses providers that serve healthy meals that meet their food guidelines. The program also provides support and training to providers on how to prepare healthy meals and in working with children and families on how to make delicious healthy food.
If children are not used to eating fruits and vegetables, it can feel like a losing battle getting them to try new things—but don’t give up! Start slowly with ones that they are likely to enjoy: common fruits and vegetables like apples and green beans. Also, consider activities like “Grow It, Try It, Like It” that help children connect to food, making them more likely to eat it.
It can also be hard to know what to do with children to encourage physical activity during the day. I Am Moving, I Am Learning was developed for Head Start, but it works for children in all child care settings. The National Center for Early Childhood Health and Wellness is a national technical assistance center that supports Head Start and Child Care Programs; they have an interactive I Am Moving, I Am Learning tool on their website. The website shares information on how to integrate movement, nutrition and healthy habits into your settings.
Also, both providers and parents struggle with affording healthy foods (for themselves and for children!) and in finding the time and energy to lead children in active play. Teamwork is important. Talking to parents about the meals, the amount of active play or the amount of screen time a child has had during the day helps everyone work together.
Early Learning Indiana has some great blog posts about helping children learn healthy habits. Check them out:
[1] Freedman DS, et al. The relation of childhood BMI to adult adiposity: The Bogalusa Heart Study. Pediatrics, 115(1): 22-27, 2005.
[2] The Writing Group for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study, et al. Incidence of diabetes in youth in the United States. JAMA, 297(24): 2716-2724, 2007.
[3] 5-2-1-0 is an evidence-based prevention message centered on recommendations from the Childhood Obesity: Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Expert Committee, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HSRA/HHS), and the American Medical Association (AMA).
[4] Stylianou M, et al. Before-school running/walking club: Effects on student on-task behavior. Preventive Medicine Reports, 3: 196-202, 2016.