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Physical Activity and Obesity
It’s no secret that childhood obesity is a
problem.
The number of obese children and teens in the U.S.
is rising. Health and medical experts consider it an
epidemic. Twenty-five years ago, about 6.5 percent
of children ages 6 to 11 were considered overweight
or obese. Today, it’s nearly 20 percent!
There are health risks for children who are
overweight or obese.
Doctors are concerned about the rise of obesity
in children and teens because obesity may lead to
these health problems:
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High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which
are risk factors for heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Breathing problems, like sleep apnea and asthma
Joint problems
Poor sleeping habits
Problems with peers
Obese children are more likely to become
obese adults. Adult obesity can lead to a
number of serious health conditions like heart
disease and some cancers.
Help your children get more physical
activity. Start moving!
Participating in family activities can be a fun way to
get everyone moving. Children who feel supported
by friends and family to be active are more likely to
join in. Your child needs 60 minutes of activity every
day, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once. It adds
up! Here are a few activities your family can do to get
started on a path to a healthier lifestyle:
• Give your child toys that encourage physical
activity like balls, kites and jump ropes.
• Encourage your child to join a sports team or try
a new physical activity.
• Limit TV time and keep the TV out of your child’s
bedroom.
• Limit video game time. Encourage playing video
games that include physical activity.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator to set an
example for your child.
• Walk around the block after a meal.
• Volunteer to help with afterschool physical
activity programs or sports teams.
It’s easy to become bored with the same exercise
day after day. Remember to change things up and try
different sports or activities. Ask the coach or fitness
instructor at school about some of the activities
your child can do.
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Make smart food choices a family project:
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Cut down on fat and sugar. Bake or grill instead
of fry. Switch to low or non-fat milk, yogurt and
cheese. Switch to lower sugar breakfast cereals.
Teach healthy snacks to your child. Keep fresh
fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods on
hand and ready to eat.
Don’t forget about portion sizes. Use smaller
plates for children. Don’t force them to clean their
plates if they are full. Portions should be about
the size of the back of a fist—a child’s fist for a
child’s portion.
Avoid pre-packaged snack foods, soft drinks,
sport drinks and fruit juices.
Keep a food journal of everything that you and
your child eat. Then you can talk with your doctor
or your child’s doctor about your choices.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps
foods digest and keeps the body cooler.
Want more information about helping your child
stay at a healthy weight? Here are some websites to
visit:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html
2. Let’sMove.gov - www.letsmove.gov/
3. Teen’sHealth.org - teenshealth.org/teen/food_
fitness/
Sources: bluecare.bcbst.com;
Let’s Move - www.letsmove.gov/active-families;http://
www.letsmove.gov/health-problems-and-childhoodobesity; www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemicchildhood-obesity
TeensHealth.org(Nemours) - teenshealth.org/teen/food_
fitness/wellbeing/exercise_wise.html#
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - cdc.gov/
obesity/childhood/basics.html;
www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/problem.html; www.cdc.gov/
healthyweight/children
Be a healthy role model by eating healthy yourself.
¿Habla español y necesita ayuda con esta carta? Llámenos gratis al BlueCare 1-800-468-9698. Llámenos
gratis al TennCareSelect 1-800-263-5479.
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birthplace, religion, language, sex, age, or disability. Do you think you’ve been treated unfairly? Do you have
more questions or need more help? If you think you’ve been treated unfairly, call the Family Assistance
Service Center for free at 1-866-311-4287. In Nashville, call 743-2000.
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1-800-226-1958.
Do you have a mental illness and need help with this information? The TennCare Advocacy Program can help
you. Call them for free at 1-800-758-1638.
Need help in another language? You can call TennCareSelect for assistance in any language at
1-800-263-5479. Call BlueCare for assistance in any language at 1-800-468-9698. Interpretation and
translation services are free to TennCare members.
This Preventive Health Guide is not meant to take the place of
your health care provider’s advice.
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1 Cameron Hill Circle | Chattanooga, TN 37402
bluecare.bcbst.com
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BCT-105 (8/13)