September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 8, 2022

LAS VEGAS – September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and share information about steps that can be taken to help prevent obesity and reduce obesity related stigma. The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and members of the Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition are promoting the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 5-2-1-0 evidence-based recommendation to provide simple guidelines to help children develop healthy habits. For information about activities and events, visit the Get Healthy Clark County or the Spanish-language Viva Saludable websites.

To develop and maintain healthy habits, the 5-2-1-0 guidelines include the following:

• • 5 fruits and vegetables each day
  • 2 hours or less of screen time each day
  • 1 hour of physical activity each day
  • 0 sugary beverages each day

In Clark County, approximately 13 percent of Clark County high school students are obese and 15.9 percent are overweight. In Nevada, 32.2 percent of children entering kindergarten are already overweight or obese.

“We know that children who are obese are more likely to be diagnosed with related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and they are also more likely be obese as adults,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Promoting recommendations such as the 5-2-1-0 guidelines and providing the supporting resources to the community are central to our mission as the public health agency charged with protecting and promoting the health and well-being of Southern Nevada residents,” said Dr. Leguen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 19.3 percent or 14.4 million children in the United States are considered obese.

Racial and ethnic disparities in obesity underscore the need to address social determinants of health such as poverty, education, and housing to remove barriers to health. Among Hispanic children, obesity prevalence is 25.6 percent; among non-Hispanic Black children it is 24.2 percent; among non-Hispanic White children it is 16.1 percent; and among non-Hispanic Asian children it is 8.7 percent.

The Health District also provides free programs and resources to assist families adopt a healthier lifestyle. They are available in English and Spanish, and are accessible on the Get Healthy Clark County or Viva Saludable websites or by calling (702) 759-1270.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.