Healthy + Happy #14: America’s Obesity Culprit
Friends of Life Time Foundation,
Happy National Obesity Awareness Month and welcome to another edition of Healthy + Happy, Life Time Foundation's biweekly newsletter covering the latest news, resources and inspiration related to youth nutrition and movement.
Leader: America’s Obesity Culprit
For the first time in U.S. history, childhood obesity has surpassed 20 percent. More than 1 in 5 American kids are obese, and it’s impacting healthcare costs, national security and every aspect of kids’ health. Yes, factors like less movement and lower-quality calories contribute to the problem, but research shows the real culprit may be deeper.
The context: More than self-discipline or “moral failing,” research shows “food environments” often shape health and quality of life, and America’s food environment has become obesogenic (promoting obesity, not preventing it). This environment breaks down into five social determinants of health (SDOH) — many of which, unfortunately, have contributed to wide health disparities and inequities.
Economic stability. Food swamps, areas where junk food outnumbers healthier options, are strong predictors of obesity rates (more so than food deserts), and their effect is stronger in areas with greater income inequality.
Neighborhood and built environment. When communities aren’t walkable, don’t have access to parks and fresh foods, and lack support for physical education and school sports, obesity increases.
Social and community context. Addictive, ultra-processed foods (often subsidized by the government) make up the majority of kids’ calories — and COVID-fueled food insecurity, America’s fast pace of life, and elevated stress levels have made this problem worse.
Health care access and quality. Racial inequity, medical mistrust and lack of access to quality healthcare have created even more obstacles for communities of color.
Education access and quality. On average, kids spend almost 8 hours each day on screens, which means increased exposure to ads for unhealthy foods, many of which disproportionately target BIPOC youth. Obese kids are also more likely to enter puberty earlier, making them more vulnerable to depression and weight-related bullying.
What we can do: There’s no one, simple solution for childhood obesity, but there are plenty of things we can do (and that are being done) to combat its effects:
Family-based interventions like healthy eating patterns, consistent sleep routines and planned family activities have proven effective.
Schools are uniquely positioned to help (think: policy change, food industry regulation and health equity).
In the News
School food round-up.
Chef Emme Ribeiro Collins, the winner of the 2021 season of “Chopped,” helps Seattle Public Schools bring diverse cultural menu items to schools.
Schools in Dallas are offering students more scratch-cooked meals.
Kids are asking for “climate-friendly” and “plant-forward” food- these innovative Food Service Directors are giving kids what they want.
Sports and SEL.
When physical education incorporates social emotional learning (SEL), PE becomes a space to cultivate behaviors that promote respect for self in others. The result? Heartfelt moments like this.
Have a child who’s hesitant to play sports? Check out these tips.
Back-to-school tips.
Caregivers can support students’ transition back to school — and it starts with routine.
Separation anxiety is difficult for any kid to handle. One helpful tip? Showing confidence in your children.
Make a commitment to your family’s mental health this year with these four helpful strategies.
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health will lead a national dialogue on health, wellness and nutrition on September 28, 2022.
Whole Kids Foundation grant opportunities:
Bee grants: K-12 schools or non-profit organizations that serve any grades K-12 to start a new or enhance an existing bee program hosting live bees on their campus. Grants period opens September 1, 2022.
Salad Bar Grants: Open year round.
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.