The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Delaware children, ages 2-17, shows a flattening of the trajectory – no change- between 2006 and 2008. Because overweight and obesity rates had previously been climbing rapidly, the leveling-off is cause for optimism reports Nemours in the March 2010 edition of Health Affairs, a peer-reviewed publication and the country's most respected health policy journal. The research was funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
"Reversing the trend of overweight and obesity is a long-term prospect, but seeing the rates plateau in Delaware is quite promising," said Debbie I. Chang, MPH, Nemours, Vice President of Policy and Prevention and the lead author on the article. Nemours conducts the Delaware Survey of Children's Health to collect parent-reported information about the weight and behaviors of children aged 2-17.
This leveling-off was seen in all Delaware counties and demographic subpopulations and mirrors the national trend supported by information released earlier by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 1980, child obesity rates have increased dramatically across the nation. Being overweight has doubled for children and tripled for adolescents, raising their risks for developing type 2 diabetes, early heart disease, and other health conditions such as asthma as well as psychological problems, including lower self-esteem.
The article attributes this stabilization to the multi-sector and place-based approach Nemours and its many dedicated partners implement in child care, schools, primary care and in the broader community. These efforts are ultimately aimed at changing behaviors and reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Delaware's children.
5-2-1-Almost None
The article shows a four-fold increase in awareness of Nemours' 5-2-1-Almost None "prescription for health" which encourages children to: eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day; limit screen time to no more than two hours a day; get at least one hour of daily physical activity, and drink almost no sugary beverages, like sodas and sports drinks. Children of parents who were familiar with the message showed a marked increase in physical activity in 2008 compared with 2006.