A Healthier Future: Raising Awareness for Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a pressing issue in our society today. With 1 in 5 children and adolescents facing obesity – approximately 14.7 billion children ages 2 to 19 – it is crucial to address this epidemic proactively. By understanding the causes, risk factors, and effective solutions we can create healthier lifestyles for our children. 

Understanding the Causes

Childhood obesity can be influenced by various factors, such as unhealthy eating habits and sedentary behavior. Many households have easy access to high-calorie foods and sugary drinks, while children often spend excess time in front of screens, creating unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Key Risk Factors

• Unhealthy foods: Kids often eat high-calorie foods and drink sugary beverages that provide little nutritional value. Items such as fast food, candy, and soft drinks can lead to excessive calorie intake without satisfying hunger, resulting in overeating and making poor dietary choices.  

• Lack of Movement: Less and less engagement in physical activity can lead to fewer calories burned and contribute to weight gain. With the rise of technology, many children spend excessive amounts on screens which reduces opportunities for active play. This sedentary lifestyle not only impacts physical health but can also affect mental well-being.

• Coping with Stress: When faced with challenges such as academic demands, social dynamics, or family issues, many children seek comfort in food. This coping strategy may resort to eating to manage their emotions, leading to unhealthy eating patterns and overeating.

Jemez Public Health Programs

• Dietician Services: Families are encouraged to schedule visits with the Public Health Dietician and learn more about healthy eating. 

• Grocery Tours: Join Jemez Public Health once a month for guided tours of local grocery stores, where you will learn how to shop for healthy foods, read labels, and make healthy choices. 

• Community Resources: Jemez Public Health partners with Roadrunner Food Bank once a month to provide fresh produce for the entire community, ensuring families have access to nutritious foods. 

• FiTT Driven Program: Jemez Public Health offers an exciting program that rewards participants with points for engaging in physical activity and staying hydrated. You can redeem these points in the FiTT store for cool incentives that support your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. 

  
  

Raising awareness about childhood obesity is a community effort. By understanding the causes and promoting healthy habits, we can help children lead healthier lives. It’s not just about losing weight, it’s about empowering kids to thrive. Let’s work together to create a healthier future for our children! 

For more information, contact Jemez Public Health at (575) 834-7207.