Why are children overweight?
• Children are not getting enough daily physical activity at school and not enough active play at home. • Too much time is spent in front of the computer and/or television. • Children are skipping breadfast and snacking more on high fat, high sugar foods, expecially while watching television. • Consumption of sweetened beverages such as sodas, juice, and sports drinks (Tang, Kool Aid, Capri Sun, Gatorade), has gone up while the consumption of milk has decreased. • Eating outside the home occurs more often and the choices of food are not healthy. • Portion sizes have increased dramatically. • Children are eating less fruits and vegetables. French fries are the top vegetable consumed by children. • Children do not have healthy role models. • More teens report a fear of being “fat,” a fear of eating and lack of cooking skills. Helping your child: What families can do: • Love, support, and accept your child. Give your children attention, support and respect. • Make healthy eating, cooking,
