Dealing with childhood obesity: Growing Up Big
an hour-long documentary on Childhood Obesity; its causes, effects, and possible solutions. September 29th, 2008 12 noon – 1pm on WHYY 91 FM
WHYY Documentary: “Growing Up Big”
Twelve year-old Kayla is being teased in school because she is overweight, and it’s affecting her performance as a student. 15-year old Sam is arguing with her mother, because she wants her to lose weight, and exercise more, but Sam doesn’t want weight to be the focus of her life.
These are not unusual stories.
Millions of children in America are struggling with weight issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 more than doubled in the past 20 years, going from 6.5% in 1980 to 17.0% in 2006. The rate among adolescents aged 12 to 19 more than tripled. The rates for overweight children also tripled among preschoolers and adolescents in the last thirty years, and quadrupled among children aged 6-11.
What are the factors that have contributed to the dramatic rise in childhood obesity, and what can be done to reverse this trend?
“Growing Up Big” explores the medical and psychological effects of childhood obesity. We find out how our eating habits have changed, how advertising is affecting kids and what is the outcome of sedentary lifestyles. We also discuss discuss what kids, parents, communities, schools and researchers are doing to move the needle back on the scales.
Tune in to WHYY 91fm on Monday September 29th at 12pm.
Growing Up Big is a production by WHYY in Philadelphia. Elisabeth Perez-Luna is the executive producer, Maiken Scott is the producer and host.
The program is part of the “Little Bites, Big Steps” outreach programming created by WHYY’s Children’s Service. For more information on related programs, please visit the Little Bites, Big Steps web page.
Listen:
[audio:growingupbig.mp3]
Transcript:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than two hours of screen time a day for kids – that means watching TV, time spent on the computer, or playing video games. Dr. Amy Jordan co-author of Children, Adolescents and the Media discusses the impact of sedentary behaviors on children’s weight:
Listen:
[audio:sci20080929tvweight.mp3]
Transcript:
Additional Resources:
Calculate your BMI (for adults)
The Federal Government’s Food Pyramid
Featured in this program:
Teens from the Urban Nutrition Initiative
Listen as they share a recipe for healthy and quick marinara sauce with us. »
TheChesPenn After-School Wellness program at the Healthplex of the Springfield Hospital in Pennsylvania
Families participating in the Healthy Weight Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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