September is celebrated as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! This observance aims to inform kids and their families on how to prevent childhood obesity. It gives families, schools, and communities lots of chances to communicate about their plans and activities for educating kids about health problems like obesity. Childhood obesity has earned the moniker "one of the most serious public health concerns of the twenty-first century" with good reason. A youngster who is obese is more likely to experience diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and joint difficulties later in life. This month has been set aside to raise awareness of childhood obesity and to encourage people to become involved in initiatives to combat it.

Parents should take advantage of this month to learn more about the ways in which they can promote the health of their children. Finding solutions to stop childhood obesity presents a continuing challenge for parents, educators, and other adults who work with young children. Childhood Obesity: Can Malnutrition Make Children Obese?

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Dates & History

The American Surgeon General's office was founded in 1870, but it wasn't until the 1960s that childhood obesity gained attention. In a 1963 report, the Surgeon General made the connection between smoking and lung cancer and heart disease. The report also noted obesity as a significant public health problem, but at the time, smoking-related problems took precedence.

It wasn't until later that awareness of childhood obesity increased. In 1980, the first instance of type 2 diabetes in a child was documented. Due to the misconception that type-two diabetes primarily affects adults, this was worrying. In 2000, the Surgeon General warned Americans about the increase in childhood obesity. In an effort to better understand and address paediatric obesity, more than 25 research studies have been completed by 2006.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Significance

As part of celebrating Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, educate yourself on the condition and its prevention. Inform yourself, your loved ones, your workplace, your neighbourhood, and your school. Anyone can plan a community activity to educate kids about the need for exercise and a balanced diet for their general health.

If you wish to really celebrate the day, you must think about contributing to a cause that works to combat childhood obesity. There are some amazing organisations out there helping our kids in tremendous ways. You must consider making a donation to one of these fantastic charities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2022 01:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).