National Childhood Obesity Week is celebrated for a week, from the first Monday in July to Sunday. This year it would be observed from July 7 to 13. Its purpose is to inform the public about the dangers of childhood obesity, its effects on a child and society’s health, and look for means to help fight the challenges. Parents and schools are primarily targeted for the campaign with helpful information to control what the children eat and their activities. This aims to draw out meal plans and exercise routines to help decrease childhood obesity.
History of National Childhood Obesity Week
Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it may cause a negative effect on health. An individual is obese when their body mass index (B.M.I.) is over 30 kg/m2.
One out of three children in the U.K. is obese. Unfortunately, this problem has existed for some time and continues to rise, hence the need to curb it. These children are at risk of Type-II diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
This has led to several interventions, including the National Obesity Forum (N.O.F.) and MEND, which launched the inaugural National Childhood Obesity Week in 2011. MEND stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, and Do it. It is a community-based approach to tackling obesity that has proved to be very successful in helping children learn to live a healthier lifestyle. School nurses play an essential role in the program’s success.
The campaign also aims at raising funds to support affected children, provide access to treatment facilities and carry out research supporting the fight against childhood obesity. It is an opportunity for public members, health organizations, and educational institutions to share helpful information in preventing and dealing with childhood obesity. Research shows children who have a healthy weight tend to be fitter, healthier, more self-confident, and are better able to learn. They are also less likely to have low self-esteem and be bullied than their counterparts.
National Childhood Obesity Week timeline
Indian surgeon, Sushruta, connects obesity to diabetes and heart disorders.
The Oxford English Dictionary documents the first usage of Obesity in 1611 by Randle Cotgrave.
In a published English language book, English medical author, Tobias Venner, is credited with being one of the first to refer to obesity as a societal disease.
The National Obesity Forum (N.O.F.) and MEND launch National Childhood Obesity Week in 2011.
National Childhood Obesity Week FAQs
What was the childhood obesity rate in 2020?
During the pandemic, the national rate of childhood obesity among kids ages two to 19 increased to 22.4%.
What color represents obesity?
The color of obesity is yellow.
How can I treat obesity?
Visit a specialist to draw out a plan for you.
How to Observe National Childhood Obesity Week
Engage in a physical activity
Celebrate National Childhood Obesity Week by engaging in physical activity. Physical activity would help burn calories and promote general well-being.
Eat a healthy meal
Make a healthy meal and eat with your family. Meals high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables are best for this.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness of National Childhood Obesity Week, especially in schools. This helps reach the children.
5 Facts About Common Causes Of Obesity
Genetics
Obesity is likely to occur if one or both parents are obese.
Physical inactivity
People who stay inactive are more likely to gain weight than active people, as they burn fewer calories.
Simple carbohydrate meals
Meals high in simple carbohydrates such as sugar, dessert, and soft drinks should be reduced.
Overeating
Overeating leads to an individual gaining weight, especially if the meal is high in fat.
Social issues
Lack of funds to purchase healthy food or lack of safe places to walk or exercise can increase the risk of obesity in a person.
Why National Childhood Obesity Week is Important
It serves as a reminder
It reminds everyone to engage in physical activities as well as eat better. With that, the obesity rate in the U.K. can start seeing a decline.
It reduces bullying in schools
More awareness of childhood obesity helps children know that it is not always a child’s fault that they are obese. This would help them support each other more.
It builds the economy
Most obese children grow up to be obese adults. With the risks they face being obese, curbing it earlier would be good for the medical sector as there will be fewer people to treat for certain diseases.
National Childhood Obesity Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 4 | Monday |
| 2023 | July 3 | Monday |
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 6 | Monday |
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