Overcoming Childhood Obesity

Colleen Thompson, M.S., R.D.,
Ellen Shanley, M.B.A., R.D., C.D.-N.

At least one child in five is overweight, the percentage of overweight children has more than doubled since 1970, and childhood obesity is now recognized as a national epidemic. This book looks at two critical questions any parent might ask:

Why is this happening?

There is no single factor ultimately responsible for this increase in obesity in children. It seems to be a unique combination of factors, each of which must be addressed in order to achieve success in the reduction and prevention of obesity. Just recognizing some of the key factors contributing to the problem is a good start: the increase in fast-food accessibility and consumption; the increase in foods and meals eaten away from home combined with the decrease in family mealtimes; and the increasing time spent in sedentary rather than physical activity.

What can we do?

There is no "cure" for obesity. Dieting is a multi-billion dollar industry with consumers ready to try anything and everything to take off weight. With children, dieting is not an option because any severe caloric restriction in children can compromise their growth and overall health. The good news is that changing eating behaviors and increasing physical activity can improve children's health and decrease the risk of their becoming overweight or obese as an adult.

The focus of this book is on prevention of obesity at various stages of a child's life from infancy through the teenage years. It also recognizes the family unit as the key means of providing support and motivation to children struggling with obesity. From family walks, to family bike rides, family food shopping, and family meal preparation-getting kids and their parents up and moving, working together to choose and prepare healthy meals, can be the beginning of life-long healthy change. Making fundamental moves in eating behaviors and lifestyle, even in the busiest of lives, can produce gradual results that can last a lifetime.

Table Of Contents

Chapter 1 - Starting at the Beginning: With Parents
Chapter 2 - Getting Started With the Basics
Chapter 3 - Creating a Healthy Environment for Your Young Child
Chapter 4 - Creating a Healthy Environment for Your School-Aged Child
Chapter 5 - Creating a Healthy Environment for Your Teenager
Chapter 6 - Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 7 - Menu Planning
Chapter 8 - Cook It!

Authors

Ellen Shanley, R.D., C.D.-N., M.B.A., is a faculty member in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut. She teaches courses in food system management and directs a program in dietetics.

Colleen Thompson, M.S., R.D., is also a registered dietician and manages the Team Nutrition Training Grant in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut. In addition to these two books they co-authored a kids cookbook.