BC Council for Families

Three releases this month are bringing international attention to childhood obesity. The US government launched the Let's Move campaign last week to, "solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation." The national campaign aims at supporting families and making healthier options available at the community level.

Canada launched its' own strategy to prevent childhood obesity this month as well. The Collaborative Action on Childhood Obesity program of the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada involves policy, research, prevention and clinical practice. It focuses on reducing consumption of sugar foods and screen-time by youth, improving access to healthy foods and working with First Nations groups whose children are disproportionately affected by obesity.

Surprising statistics from the 2007 Standing Committee on Health indicate that Canada has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the developed world.

• 26% of young Canadians ages 2 to 17 are overweight or obese.

A UK study published this month in the International Journal of Obesity also reported higher rates of obesity in children cared for by grandparents. Researchers noted that while parents value care provided by grandparents, the issue is to provide grandparents with better information and support around diet and exercise. A number of resources are available for families on the Childhood Obesity Foundation and Let's Move websites.