Metronewark Community Board No. 1

The childhood obesity statistics reveal the stunning fact that almost 60% of children in America are obese children. The rate of overweight children in America is increasing rapidly. The obesity statistics of 2002 say that 22% of US preschoolers were overweight. Then, we can imagine how big the problem would be right now.

It is easy to claim that obesity is an individual responsibility and that children can easily 'cure' themselves by following good eating habits and through regular exercise. But, what is harder to realize is that there is a lot more to this complex trend. Many schools in America are filling children’s stomachs with calorie less soft drinks. And, in fact, many schools don’t have proper recess and exercise policies. Then, how can obese children be blamed in any way?

In fact they are not allowed to make their own choices about their lives. It’s the parents and schools that need to be blamed for the obesity epidemic. But let's not blame for in many cases parents are not aware of the damage they are causing on their children and schools may be restricted by budget regulations that don't make sense in the 21st century.

So the first think to do as a parent or a community advocate is to learn more about it. The more we know the better we can change the future well being of our kids.

I'll be placing some information resources as I find them. Anyone is welcome to contribute and to write constructive comments.
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Here's an interesting PDF file published by Food Bank of New Jersey
See also Obesity.org
And CDC ( center for Disease Control and Prevention ) a credible source of information worldwide with a few tips for parents.
A source of general information from Nemours in both English and Spanish: KidsHealth.org