U.S. Government Takes On Childhood Obesity!

Hello, Everyone!

     A couple of weeks ago, I took on a rather tough subject by talking a little bit about Type 2 Diabetes.  This week, with the help of the U.S. Government, I'd like to try to take on an equally tough - and closely related - subject:  Childhood Obesity.

     According to William H. Dietz, Director of the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States, one that is negatively impacting the physical and emotional health of our children, their families, and society as a whole” (Dietz, 2009).  In fact, in congressional testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on December 16, 2009, Dietz declared that the “CDC is monitoring national trends, developing policy and environmental strategies, and implementing innovative practices related to six target areas – increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and the initiation and duration of breastfeeding, and decreasing television viewing, consumption of energy dense, low nutritional value foods, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.  Through these activities CDC is striving to create supportive, healthful environments for children and their families to experience positive health outcomes throughout their lives” (Dietz).

     The link between proper nutrition and the controlling of childhood obesity is irrefutable.  In fact, if left uncontrolled, childhood obesity, and obesity in general, can lead toType 2 Diabetes!  This "epidemic," as Director Dietz puts it, of childhood obesity is, in large part (no pun intended!) responsible for the overwhelming number of cases of Type 2 Diabetes now being seen in children, pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults.

     For more information, please see:

Dietz, W. (December 16, 2009). Childhood obesity. FDCH Congressional Testimony.  Retrieved September 6, 2010 from MasterFILE Premier database.

     As always, I hope that this week's post has provided you all with some Food For Thought!
Until next time...!!

Vicky