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An American proverb cautions that "More die of food than famine" - which apparently rings true considering the state of the nation's waistline, particularly our children's. Childhood obesity is at epidemic levels, and nowhere is this problem more acute than in the African American community.
The statistics are alarming: While African Americans comprise 10% of the U.S. population, the black community is disproportionately affected by obesity. Roughly 12% of white children are obese compared to 21% of black children. And African American girls suffer the highest obesity rate of any ethnic and gender group in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The problem is bad and growing worse. In only a 30 year period, obesity in the African American and Hispanic communities increased a staggering 120% compared to 50% among white children. What’s more, obese children often remain obese in adulthood, increasing their risk for such leading causes of death as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cancer.
Many factors have contributed to this epidemic, from genetics to cultural influences, and from poverty to sedentary lifestyles. But at least some of the fault lies with the business practices of companies that seek to increase their profits by disproportionately marketing low-priced, high-calorie, low-nutrient-dense foods to the African American consumer. Kids love supersized meals. And the effects of all these negative influences are only exacerbated by the limited availability of healthy food choices in low-income neighborhoods.
The costs of obesity are astronomical, both in economic and human terms. Obesity costs an estimated $80 billion annually in health treatments and lost productivity. It also kills 112,000 Americans each year, and while the cloud of death hovers overhead, obesity severely affects the manner in which youth live. Studies show that obesity significantly lowers self-esteem by early adolescence and can cause children to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
What can families do to fight obesity? The Association of Junior Leagues recommends a number of things through its Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen program:
These are all key ingredients in any program aimed at fighting childhood obesity by engaging kids and empowering them to make healthy choices. But bear this in mind: The best way to ensure success is to focus on small but permanent changes in eating rather than a series of larger, short-term ones that are not likely to be sustained.
Sandi Kemmish is President of The Association of Junior Leagues International, a charitable organization of women dedicated to improving their communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
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