Even the youngest children in the United States are at risk of becoming obese. Today, almost 10 percent of infants and toddlers carry excess weight for their length, and slightly more than 20 percent of children between the ages of two and five are already overweight or obese. Because early obesity can track into adulthood, many leading health officials recommend that efforts to prevent obesity begin long before a child enters school.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences recently reviewed factors related to overweight and obesity from birth to age five, with a focus on nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. In its report on this research, the IOM recommends actions that healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers can take to prevent obesity in children five and younger.
Pediatricians and other healthcare professionals have an important opportunity to make parents aware of their child’s excess weight early on, and the IOM recommends that healthcare professionals measure weight and height or length in a standardized way, as well as pay attention to obesity risk factors, such as rate of weight gain and parental weight, at routine pediatric visits.
In addition, the IOM recommends that parents and child care providers keep children active throughout the day and provide them with diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; these diets should also be low in energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Caregivers also should limit young children’s screen time and ensure that children sleep an adequate amount each day. What happens to children during the first years of life is important to their current and future health and well-being.
To access a copy of this report, please visit:
National Academies Press: Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies (June 2011)
Media report:
CBS Evening News: Report cites danger of fat toddlers (23 JUN 11)
Background information:
National Academy of Sciences: Institute of Medicine
New England City & Town: Health & Human Services Issues: Childhood Obesity
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