Childhood Obesity Awareness The Breakfast Connection

Children are our future. As adults, parents, educators and health professionals it is our responsibility to teach children about healthy food choices, benefits of physical activities and building self-esteem. 

On September 1, 2010 President Obama declared September "National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month".

President Obama stated, "One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a Nation is to safeguard the health and well-being of our children. We now face a national childhood obesity crisis, with nearly one in every three of America's children being overweight or obese. There are concrete steps we can take right away as concerned parents, caregivers, educators, loved ones, and a Nation to ensure that our children are able to live full and active lives. During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I urge all Americans to take action to meet our national goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation."

Obesity has a profound effect on a child's life. Health problems related to childhood obesity include the following:

  Asthma

  Diabetes, type 2

  High blood pressure

  High cholesterol

  Heart failure

  Bone and joint problems in the lower body

  Growth abnormalities

  Emotional and social problems

  Poor self-esteem

  Victims of Bullying

  Breathing problems

  Rashes or fungal infections of the skin

Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to become an obese adult with health problems in adulthood, such as:

  Heart disease

  Stroke

  Certain types of cancer

  Osteoarthritis

  Gout

  Gallbladder disease

Breakfast and Child Obesity

    *Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight.
    *Children who skip breakfast feel tired or lack energy.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have problems concentrating.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have lower grades in school.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have learning and behavioral problems.
    *Children who skip breakfast may develop nutritional deficiencies.

Children who eat breakfast are
Alert, Energized and Ready for a Brand New Day.