We’re Battling Pediatric Obesity!
We have announced a pediatric obesity outreach campaign targeting pediatricians and family practitioners in neighborhoods disproportionately burdened by poor health.
As part of the campaign, our staff will conduct one-on-one visits with more than 160 pediatric and family practitioner practices in East and Central Harlem, North and Central Brooklyn, and the South Bronx.
Providers and staff will receive a Pediatric Obesity Action Kit containing tools for clinicians and for parents to address a family’s needs related to overweight and obesity.
Nearly 40 percent of NYC public schoolchildren in grades K-8 have overweight or obesity. Our data show that the rate of obesity among Black students is about 65 percent greater than among White students. Among Latino students, the rate is 97 percent greater than among White students. In addition, only 20 percent of parents report that their child eats five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
The Action Kit encourages pediatricians and family practitioners to:
Assess all children and youth (ages 0 to 21) to identify those who have overweight and obesity or who are at risk for obesity.
Screen all families for food insecurity and provide referrals to food-assistance programs or local emergency food providers.
Engage children, youth and families about strategies to prevent and address obesity, such as eating healthy foods, being physically active, getting enough sleep, avoiding sugary drinks, limiting screen time and choosing breastfeeding.
Connect families to appropriate behavioral interventions, community programs and ways to support healthy eating and physical activity opportunities in their communities.