According to the Seattle and King County Public Health Data Watch of March
2002, over the last 20 years the percentage of U.S. children ages 6 to 11 who
are considered overweight has nearly doubled, while the percentage of
adolescents who are overweight has increased almost three-fold. The findings
also concluded that by 2001, one in every two King County adults were
overweight.
What are the causes?
It is believed that the main cause for the majority of weight gain is
excessive calorie consumption (eating too much) and/or inadequate physical
activity.
In their leisure time, over 70% of County adults at the time of this study
were either completely sedentary or not physically active enough to meet the
guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Technology has played a role in declining levels of physical activity.
Between 1977 and 1995, the number of personal trips made by walking decreased
by 40 percent.
The environment many people live in discourages physical activity.
Movement of residences and businesses to suburban communities and shopping
malls, which are often not well served by public transportation or easily
accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
Residential development and zoning favoring cul-de-sac housing
discouraging mixed business-and-residential development, which increases
distances traveled and reliance on automobiles.
Recommendations for better health:
To maintain a healthy weight, balance food intake with physical activity
on a daily basis.
At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week
is recommended. Moderate physical activity can include walking, as well as
more active pursuits like cycling or jogging.
Use physical activity workouts to help manage stress and improve mood.
Create and implement public policy related to the provision of safe and
accessible sidewalks, walking and bicycle paths, and stairs.
Provide extracurricular physical activity programs and encourage the use
of school facilities for physical activity programs offered outside school
hours.
