.svg)
Get ready to raise awareness and take action against childhood obesity this September, also known as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! This dedicated month was established in 2010 by the U.S. Congress to bring attention to the growing issue of childhood obesity in America. Did you know that over 13 million children are affected by this condition? But don't worry, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to promote healthy habits and help children lead happy and active lives. So join in on the movement and make a positive impact on the well-being of our future generation!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Childhood Obesity</div><div class='timeline-text'>The childhood obesity rate has tripled since the 1970s, marking a significant rise in the issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiation of BMI Tracking</div><div class='timeline-text'>Tracking of childhood obesity through Body Mass Index (BMI) charts and pediatric growth charts was initiated by the CDC in 1997.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Government Programs</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. government, through programs such as Let’s Move!, started to address the issue of childhood obesity by promoting physical activity and healthy eating.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress established National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September 2010 to raise awareness about this growing health issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Promotion of Healthy School Lunches</div><div class='timeline-text'>Efforts to provide healthier school lunches were amplified, as research showed the positive impact of a balanced diet on childhood obesity rates.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for targeted interventions, as prolonged stay-at-home orders led to changes in physical activity and dietary patterns among children.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a healthy cooking competition</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, and community members to participate in a healthy cooking competition. Encourage them to use fresh and nutritious ingredients to make delicious meals while promoting healthy eating habits.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fun run/walk event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get people moving by organizing a fun run or walk event. This can be a great way to raise awareness about childhood obesity and promote physical activity among children and their families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a community garden</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start a community garden where children and their families can come together to learn about gardening, healthy eating, and where their food comes from. This can also be a great way to get children excited about eating fresh fruits and vegetables.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a nutrition education workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with local health professionals to host a nutrition education workshop for parents and children. This can be a great way to teach families about the importance of balanced meals and how to make healthier food choices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a healthy eating challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge families to make healthier food choices for a month, or even just a week. Provide them with resources and support to help them succeed, and celebrate their achievements at the end. This can be a fun and engaging way to promote healthy eating habits within the community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about a pressing issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Childhood obesity is a serious health concern that affects millions of children around the world. By dedicating a whole month to raise awareness about this issue, we can educate parents, caregivers, and the general public about its causes and potential solutions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages healthy habits in children</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month serves as a reminder for children and their families to prioritize their health and well-being. It promotes healthy eating habits, physical activity, and overall lifestyle changes that can prevent childhood obesity and improve overall health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes advocacy and action</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By creating awareness, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month also encourages people to take action in their communities. This could involve advocating for healthier school meals or pushing for more opportunities for physical activity in neighborhoods. Every small effort adds up to make a big impact in fighting childhood obesity!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Childhood Obesity Sets the Stage for Health Problems in Adulthood</h3><p class='facts-content'>Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults, increasing their risk for health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Childhood Obesity Impacts Mental and Emotional Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Children with obesity are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image, and depression due to social stigma and bullying.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not All Calories are Created Equal</h3><p class='facts-content'>Consuming 100 calories of candy isn't the same as eating 100 calories of whole grains. Processed foods and drinks high in sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity in children.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regular Physical Activity Does More Than Burn Calories</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to its caloric burn, regular physical activity can help control appetite, boost mood, improve sleep, and reduce stress levels — all factors that can indirectly influence body weight in children.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Childhood Obesity is Not Solely a Result of Personal Choices</h3><p class='facts-content'>A multitude of factors contribute to childhood obesity beyond diet and exercise, including genetics, environment, stress, sleep, and even gut bacteria. Thus, it requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to deal with this complex issue.</p></div></div>
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is celebrated on September 1 every year. In 2024, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month will begin on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 1
Friday
2024
Sep 1
Sunday
2025
Sep 1
Monday
2026
Sep 1
Tuesday
2027
Sep 1
Wednesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
