Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue that affects millions of children across the country. Children with obesity are at higher risk for other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In this article, HARC provides Coachella Valley statistics and resources to promote healthy growth in our local children.

The way to determine a child’s body weight category is determined by using the body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measurement used to determine weight category, including underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obesity. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the person’s square height in meters. For children and teenagers, there is an age-specific and sex-specific BMI. Childhood obesity can then be defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, meaning that the child’s BMI is greater than the BMI of 95% of children in the same age and sex.

Coachella Valley data

HARC’s 2022 community survey indicates that 46.1% of local children aged 2 and older have a BMI that puts them in the “overweight” or “obese” category; this is roughly 25,790 children in our valley. However, when parents were asked about their perception of their child’s weight, only 14.4% of parents believed their child was overweight. With so many parents unaware that their child is overweight, these parents are less likely to make changes to the child’s lifestyle to support healthier development.

How to support your child from home

Addressing obesity starts at home and there are several ways that parents and caregivers can support a child’s healthy growth. First, it is important to be aware of your child’s BMI to assess potential weight issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Child and Teen BMI calculator available for parents to use (search BMI calculator at cdc.gov or see link below), and any concerns should certainly be discussed with the child’s pediatrician or doctor.

Regardless of the child’s BMI, it is essential for children to have a healthy diet. Low-calorie foods with fruits and vegetables instead of foods with high amounts of added sugars and fats are a good start. Getting into the habit of reading labels when shopping can help cut down on foods with high sugar and carbohydrate contents. Another way to promote healthy growth is ensuring the child is drinking plenty of water while limiting high-sugar drinks.

It is also important for the child to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. The CDC recommends that children get 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Parents may find a list of age-appropriate activities for a child by visiting the CDC’s Physical Activity Guidelines. Lastly, it is beneficial for children to develop healthy sleeping habits to encourage healthy growth and improve the child’s attention and brain functioning. Multiple studies have found that lack of sleep is associated with higher risks of weight gain and obesity.

Certainly, we want our local children to experience a childhood that is healthy and happy. Moreover, behaviors in childhood lead to long-term habits that often carry them through much of their lives. It is critical to develop healthy habits so that a healthy weight can be maintained into adulthood, leading to a long and vibrant life.

HARC is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health, wellness and quality of life in the Coachella Valley through data-driven research and evaluation. Learn more at www.HARCdata.org.

Sources: 1) https://harcdata.org/coachella-valley-community-health-survey/executive-report/; 2) https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/child-teen-calculator/index.html; 3) https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/