Obesity

Obesity can lead to a variety of health and psychological problems. In addition to heart disease, obesity can lead to diabetes, vascular disease, chronic pain, depression, and sexual disfunction as well as other serious problems. Rates of obesity are climbing rapidly in New York City and across the rest of the nation, making it a major public health concern.

How are we doing in Northwest Brooklyn?

Northwest Brooklyn adults are less likely to be obese than those in Brooklyn overall (18% vs. 23%). Think healthy eating is too hard or expensive? Luckily, in NYC, especially Brooklyn, it's easier than you think. A good walk or bike ride to one of the many supermarkets that sell health conscious food, such as Fairway, not only meets the Surgeon Generals recommendations for daily exercise but has a spectacular sunset view of the Statue of Liberty. There are also many local, mom and pop, fruit and veg shops dotted around the city that sell a wide range of produce that might make tonight’s dinner seem a bit more exotic.

What about childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, 17% as of 2006. Childhood obesity leads to adult obesity and is associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease.

In New York City, more than one in five (21%) public school children (Grades K-8) are obese and 18% are overweight compared to 17% and 14% for the US respectively. NYC childhood obesity more commonly affects boys more than girls, especially Hispanic boys. Overweight students have been found to be less physicially fit and score lower on academic tests.

NYC.gov recommends that children get at least one hour of physical activity a day. They recommend fun activities such as bicycling, dancing, jumping rope, playing basketball, or going for a walk as well as limiting TV, video games and internet use. Ensure that your children’s screentime and DS play is no more than one hour per day for elementary school students and two hours per day for middle and high school students. You can find more information about portion control and fun activities for kids about the food pyramid from the USDA. If the film Super Size Me taught us anything- it is that “portion size” is not something enough of us pay attention to.

10 Tips for helping keep your children healthy: 

1.    1. Be a role model

2.    2. Cook at home if possible

3.    3. Engage them in shopping and cooking activities

4.    4. Teach them portion control

5.    5. Offer them fruit and vegatables at every meal

6.    6. Variety truly is the spice of life

7.    7. Try growing your own

8.    8. Don’t let them drink their calories (i.e. soda’s, high sugar fruit juice)

9.    9. Drink water

10. 10. Make fitness part of a fun routine

Of course, this information is informational only. For more information about child obesity prevention and nutrition, consult an expert. Your pediatrician, nurse practitioner and/or nutritionists can help you design a plan that fits your childs needs. Log-on DocMatcher.com to begin your search now for a doctor or other health professional with expertise in childhood obesity, weight management and nutrition.