By Jenna Blumenfeld
Slim chance F
WHAT’S WORKING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY—AND WHAT’S NEXT
rom first lady Michelle Obama boogying on a school field to chef Jamie Oliver taking on cities in 2010 and 2011’s Food Revolution
TV program, we encounter the phrase “childhood obesity” so often that it rarely makes a conscious dent. Statistics tell the sorry tale: Since the 1980s the number of obese children in America has tripled, and it affects 17 percent of all U.S. adolescents. Almost one in three kids are overweight or obese, placing them at a significantly greater risk for heart disease, asthma, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes, as well as psychological issues including low self-esteem and depression. Given youth culture’s current trifecta of
physical inactivity, prolific calorie- and sugar- packed snacks, and an average four-plus hours screen time per day (which include abundant, targeted junk-food ads), fighting childhood obesity may seem like an impossible task. But, incredibly, the tides may be turning. Researchers from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently noticed that between 2006 and 2011, the number of overweight and obese children in two major cities decreased: Philadelphia’s levels dipped by 4.7 percent and New York City’s dropped 5.5 percent. After obesity’s decades-long upward trajectory, these small but significant victories triggered cautious hope among health experts. Why are rates dropping? What’s working in this
massive national health challenge? And where should we focus future efforts? Here, three inspiring influencers tackling obesity in their communities offer wisdom and predictions.
Find affordable, kid-friendly recipes at
deliciousliving.com
28
deliciousliving.com | june 2013
BARBARA REDDOCH / VEER
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52