From Playstation to Playground: Motivating America’s Youth Towards Health 
By Monica A. Dixon, Ph.D., R.D
The statistics are staggering.
- Between 13% and 36% of 12-17 year old American children are obese, and an additional 4-12% may be considered super-obese (having an overly excessive amount of body fat)
- One-fourth of children in America spend four hours or more a day watching television, and only 27% of high school students engage in moderate physical activity at least 30 minutes a day on five or more days of the week
- Three-quarters of overweight and obese children do not change their habits and remain obese in adulthood
- Type 2 diabetes is on a rapid rise in youth a trend unheard of even a decade ago
Childhood obesity is a complex problem with a multifaceted etiology. It is not a simple problem of excess caloric intake and/or high fat diet and low physical activity. To be effective, prevention and intervention programs must understand the role of genetics; parental influence; psychosocial contributors; eating patterns; level, type and frequency of physical activity and nutrition education. The fact that obesity has multiple causes and that none of these causes has a highly effective cure means that multifactorial interventions must be considered and that prevention is the treatment of choice.
Recreation professionals are in a unique position to help stem this tide of childhood obesity. Although all figures in a child’s life (i.e. parents, teachers, coaches, etc.) should be involved in prevention programs, recreation professionals possess the ability and resources to develop and coordinate programming that addresses the multifaceted components of obesity.
Moving youth away from sedentary activities toward more active participation requires more than signing them up for soccer. A lifestyle-type exercise program should be used to incorporate varied activities that can lead to lifetime pursuits. This type of program allows participants to choose aerobic activities that can be incorporated in their daily routine. Activities such as brisk walking to and from home, school, and between classes should be encouraged. Obese youth are not only less fit than their normal weighted peers, but they are less skilled and consequently discriminated against in play and sport activities. Training programs should include skills training for sports, which is hoped to lead to increased participation in physical activities at home, at school and in recreation settings.
Researchers have found that comprehensive, community-based health education programs tend to be the most effective for the long-term. Co-opting with local hospitals, sports organizations, schools and youth organizations to develop after-school or evening programs targeting at-risk youth can be one of the most effective intervention and prevention steps recreation professionals can take. Organizing a diverse group of professionals, including nurses, teachers, health educators, psychologists and coaches can help bolster the effectiveness of recreation programs and address the multiple causes of childhood obesity.
In order to even further increase the effectiveness of these comprehensive programs, research suggests going to the next level and involving the entire family. Parents’ participation at home with their children during exercise sessions has shown to improve compliance and overall success. Yet, it is probable that many of these parents also are lacking in sports-related skills and confidence with recreation pursuits. Thus, providing
“entry level,” family-based activity programs may be one of the most effective start points for recreation professionals wanting to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic in their communities.
For those looking for more information on intervention ideas for youth, check out these two websites. The Healthy Schools Summit in Washington, D.C. last fall has great ideas at www.actionforhealthykids.org. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a health activist organization, has recently developed www.smart-mouth.org for youth interested in pursuing healthier options.