Building a Healthy Future for Our Children
Experts believe that if something is not done to reverse the trend of childhood obesity in the United States, our current generation will be the FIRST generation to not outlive their parents. Start Fit, Stay Fit is an advocacy mission to halt the decline in the health of our Nation's youth and build a healthier future. Education is the key to ensuring this mission and Start Fit, Stay Fit, as well as its partners are dedicated to providing that education.
Childhood Obesity- An American Epidemic
Today about 1 in 3 children and youth (ages 2-19) in the United States are already overweight or obese and children who are overweight are more likely to be overweight adults.
The Facts
Children who are Obese/Overweight are at Risk for Serious Health Problems including:
-High Cholesterol
-High Blood Pressure
-Heart Disease
-Type 2 Diabetes (formerly known as "adult onset," the rise in childhood obesity has contributed to youth now contracting the disease as well.)
-Liver Disease
-Sleep Disorders
-Respiratory problems (exp. Asthma)
In addition to these health risks, children who are overweight tend to feel depressed/lonely and are the target of bullying.
Access to Healthy Food and Physical Activity is Disappearing
Poor nutrition: Only about 20% of high school seniors report eating fruit and green vegetables five or more times a day.
Unregulated nutrition: Foods offered in school vending machines are often of little nutritional value and can be loaded with fats, sugars, salt and calories.
Less physical education: 92% of elementary schools do not have daily physical education classes year-round. About 1/3 of high school students take daily physical education classes.
Disappearing recess: Nearly 1/3 of elementary schools do not schedule recess on a regular basis. Some schools lack the space to play while others feel that recess is a waste of time.
The Facts
Children who are Obese/Overweight are at Risk for Serious Health Problems including:
-High Cholesterol
-High Blood Pressure
-Heart Disease
-Type 2 Diabetes (formerly known as "adult onset," the rise in childhood obesity has contributed to youth now contracting the disease as well.)
-Liver Disease
-Sleep Disorders
-Respiratory problems (exp. Asthma)
In addition to these health risks, children who are overweight tend to feel depressed/lonely and are the target of bullying.
Access to Healthy Food and Physical Activity is Disappearing
Poor nutrition: Only about 20% of high school seniors report eating fruit and green vegetables five or more times a day.
Unregulated nutrition: Foods offered in school vending machines are often of little nutritional value and can be loaded with fats, sugars, salt and calories.
Less physical education: 92% of elementary schools do not have daily physical education classes year-round. About 1/3 of high school students take daily physical education classes.
Disappearing recess: Nearly 1/3 of elementary schools do not schedule recess on a regular basis. Some schools lack the space to play while others feel that recess is a waste of time.
