Jul 25, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Health Watch: Battling Obesity In Toddlers
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Experts say giving children the opportunity to be physically active is important in combating obesity.
CBS
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and children are not immune. Dismissing overweight toddlers as just having "baby fat" may not be a healthy option, and more parents are looking into various programs designed to help.
Four-year-old Sofia Banuet and her mom took a lesson in proper nutrition. When asked what makes the body strong and healthy, the toddler replied, "milk and vegetables and fruit."
There are now a growing number of programs like Dr. Wendy Slusser's, that push healthy eating and exercise habits for very young kids.
"The problem of obesity in pre-school aged children is very concerning," said Dr. Slusser, a pediatric obesity specialist.
Twelve percent of kids aged 2 to 5 are considered obese according to the Center for Disease Control. 65 percent of overweight kids have an additional heart disease risk factor, with problems of elevated cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and insulin problems.
"Certainly the earlier it begins, the more concerned we ought to be, because those children don't generally lose weight as they grow older, but they get fatter," said Dr. William Dietz, of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are also school based programs like SPARK - Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids.
"My child loves the program because it makes him jump around," said Carmen Rodriguez. But not everyone thinks organized activity is necessary.
"Just watch children on the playground. They're always moving. We don't have to train them to move, we have to give them opportunities to move," said Dr. Dietz.
Most experts agree that educating parents will make the biggest impact on overweight toddlers.
Each day, children should eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables, watch two hours or less of television, and completely abstain from sugar sweetened drinks.
After taking a healthy eating program, Sofia's weight is now normal and she's on track for a healthy future.
Although not everyone agrees that organized diet programs are necessary for toddlers, they are not thought to be harmful in any way. Given the dangers of child obesity -- any efforts to stop the cycle are a step in the right direction.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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