Childhood Obesity Prevention | Raising Healthy Kids

In the U.S, about one in five children is living with obesity, and the numbers are rising quickly. A child is overweight if their BMI is higher than 85% of kids their age and sex, and obese if it is higher than 95%. Poor food choices, low physical activity, long screen time, short sleep, genetics, early life factors, family habits, and some medications can lead to extra weight. Childhood obesity affects the heart, metabolism, liver, bones, hormones, and mental health, and raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease later. Children should eat 5 fruits and vegetables, have no more than 2 hours of screen time, get 1 hour of activity, and drink 0 sugary drinks each day.