National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is a time when millions of people in America share information on how to cope with obesity. Today in America, a significant number of children suffer from being overweight. This negatively impacts their quality of life, health, interactions with peers, and their future. Recognizing and addressing the problem promptly is crucial. Additionally, September offers parents the opportunity to learn how to prevent their child from gaining excess weight and how to address the issue effectively for the sake of the child’s health.

History

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious problems in modern society. Being overweight in childhood inevitably leads to health problems in the future, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and joint diseases. The mission of this event is to inform the nation about obesity and to motivate people to join the efforts to combat this issue.

The focus on childhood obesity became a priority only in the 1960s; however, at that time, the issue of smoking was more actively discussed. Increased attention to childhood obesity emerged towards the end of the 20th century when a child was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the first time—a disease typically seen in adults.

Useful facts

• According to statistics, one in six children in America suffers from excess weight; this represents almost 13 million people aged two to nineteen years.
• If not addressed, the problem of excess weight in childhood often persists into adulthood, accompanied by serious health issues.
• Weight is influenced by ethnicity. For example, nearly 50% of non-Hispanic blacks and slightly more than 40% of Hispanics are overweight, while only 12% of non-Hispanic Asians are considered obese.
• Childhood obesity often leads to depression.

How to join National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Learn more about childhood obesity—its causes, consequences, and dangers. Understanding prevention and how to assist if a child is obese is crucial. Organize an educational event for friends and the school community. Discuss the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. Donate to organizations dedicated to research and solutions for childhood obesity.

When is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in 2024?

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations