Childhood Obesity in Philadelphia
Obesity in children has been growing for decades, what’s going on with obesity among school-aged children in Philadelphia?
Obesity is a significant problem among youth in Philadelphia. According to data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in 2017, 29.3% of Philadelphia youth aged 10-17 were overweight or obese. This is higher than the national average, which is 18.5%. Factors that contribute to obesity in youth include lack of access to healthy food options, lack of physical activity, and poverty. Efforts to address obesity in youth in Philadelphia include increasing access to healthy food options, promoting physical activity, and addressing poverty through programs such as school meals and after-school programs.
There are several ways to help address obesity in youth in Philadelphia:
Promote healthy eating: Encourage youth to eat more fruits and vegetables and limit their intake of sugary and high-fat foods. Programs such as the Philadelphia Food Trust's "Healthy Corner Store Initiative" aim to make healthy food more accessible in low-income neighborhoods.
Increase physical activity: Encourage youth to participate in regular physical activity, such as sports, dance, or fitness classes.
Address poverty: Poverty is a major risk factor for obesity. Programs such as the "Free School Meals" initiative, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students in the Philadelphia School District, can help ensure that youth have access to nutritious food.
Community-based efforts: Support community-based initiatives that address obesity, such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and cooking classes that teach healthy meal preparation.
Education: Education on healthy eating habits, physical activity, and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight should be provided to youth, their families, and communities.
Supportive policies: Encourage and support policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity, such as increasing funding for school physical education programs, encouraging employers to provide healthy food options, and promoting walkable and bikeable communities.
It's important to remember that addressing obesity in youth requires a multifaceted approach involving community, government, and family efforts.