Obesity in 4 year olds is shocking. It used to be the one kid in the class who was heavy (that was me) and now it’s the average-sized or skinny kid that is less common. Obviously if that is happening, it’s spreading and it’s not just to more kids, it’s worse with kids who are Hispanic, black and worst with American Indian children. Then, now it’s not just in high-schoolers, then middle-schoolers but now 4-year olds…
“Flores cited higher rates of diabetes in American Indians, and also Hispanics, which scientists believe may be due to genetic differences.
Also, other factors that can increase obesity risks tend to be more common among minorities, including poverty, less educated parents, and diets high in fat and calories”, Flores said.
Obviously these kids are at a disadvantage and their communities are doing the best they can to get them moving. That is good. But those heavier kids are often very self-conscious when it comes to exercise and they may be doing it at camp or in school but without the healthier food complementing that activity at home, its hard to get healthy.
A lot of these kids may have things in their lives that are making them eat, but some of them probably watch their parents numb themselves with food so they do the same. There are a few organizations that do work in disadvantaged communities that are helping this problem and we need more of them.
For the home, an organization called Share Our Strength has a program called Operation Frontline. They have partnered with ConAgra Foods and Kashi to educate families on nutrition on how to prepare healthy, tasty meals on a limited budget.
For schools, there is another non-profit called Food Studies Institute. Led by Dr. Antonia Demas, they have a program called, “Food is Elementary” (FIE). It’s a very cool curriculum introducing schools and communities to teach children about food, nutrition, culture, and healthy living.
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