One in 5 children in the United States are obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for kids to eat healthier and get more active.
Make a difference for kids: spread the word about strategies for preventing childhood obesity and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
How can National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month make a difference?
We can all use this month to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how they can help work towards a solution.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Encourage families to make small changes, like keeping fresh fruit within reach or going on a family walk after dinner.
- Motivate teachers and administrators to make schools healthier. Help them provide healthy food options and daily physical activities for students.
- Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by supporting programs to prevent childhood obesity.
How can I help spread the word?
We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
- Add information about obesity prevention to your newsletter.
- Tweet about National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
- Plan an event or take another action in your community to increase awareness about childhood obesity.
Sponsor: American College of Sports Medicine
Share These Resources
Health Topics
- Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
- Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents
- Eat Healthy
- Get Active
- Ride Your Bike Safely
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Healthy People Topic Areas
Find More Information
- The American College of Sports Medicine
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Sponsor - How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 8 Healthy Eating Goals
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition - Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Tips for Getting Active with Your Family
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - MyPlate Kids’ Place
United States Department of Agriculture - Healthy Weight Basics
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Nutrition Tools and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Campaigns and Informational Approaches to Increase Physical Activity
Community Preventive Services Task Force