At 5 years old, Jessica weighed more than 200 pounds. At age 7, her weight had increased to more than 400 pounds, labeling her the world’s heaviest child. Her leg bones bowed under her large frame until eventually they were unable to support her at all. She constantly cried out for food.

Jessica’s story was shown by multiple news stations; while many empathized with her, some were not so kind.

Although Jessica’s is an extreme case, many children suffer from a similar problem. According to KidsHealth.org, one in three children is considered overweight. Research shows obesity is becoming an increasingly widespread problem throughout our country—so widespread that it is even affecting children under school age. Children as young as 2 are overweight. According to Nutrition Journal, childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels.

So what should be done about it? Many agree that to target childhood obesity effectively we should begin at schools and in the home.

A quote from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site states, “Reversing the obesity epidemic requires a long-term, well-coordinated approach to reach young people where they live, learn and play…we need to reshape social and physical environments and provide information, tools and practical strategies to help students adopt healthy lifestyles.”

Even the CDC agrees that battling the problem should take place in every aspect of a child’s life, so why not in youth groups? Youth groups are places where children are surrounded by peers, learning how to live godly lives and taught by people to whom they look up and revere. Yet how much is being done in youth groups to encourage healthy lifestyles? In order to address the problem, it is best to be knowledgeable about it.

According to the CDC, an interaction between genetic, behavioral and environmental factors could be to blame for this growing problem.

Genetic factors cannot be the sole contributors to this issue, according to the CDC. There are many more behavioral factors that can be to blame.

First, children are increasing their energy intake. With larger portion sizes, a greater numbers of meals consumed away from home and frequent snacking, children are now consuming many more empty calories than in previous years.

Also, our society has become increasingly sedentary, causing a lack of physical activity on the part America’s youth. A CDC study found that time spent watching television, videos and movies averaged more than three hours a day among children ages 8 to 18. This behavior ultimately can lead to decreased physical activity, increased energy consumption through snacking and an influence on children to make unhealthy food choices.

Environmental factors are contributing to childhood obesity, as well. Children are impacted everywhere—in the home, at school and even by the community.

The effects of childhood obesity go beyond a busting waistline to physical and even emotional health threats. According to the CDC, childhood obesity can create a high risk for the following health concerns: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and social and psychological problems such as low self-esteem.

According to the CDC, obese children are also more likely to become obese adults and develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes or suffer from a stroke or several types of cancer.

Melina Kantonen, a volunteer youth worker form Saint Paul’s church in Cloquet, Minn., likes to keep her youth group active. “We play a lot of soccer, volleyball, basketball and kickball,” she said.

Kantonen also encourages youth activities at other times besides Wednesday nights. Many of these events require physical activity such as volunteering to do yard work and bike rides on a nearby state trail.

According to Kantonen, another important step in the battle against childhood obesity is for youth leaders to “lead by example by exercising and eating right.” She also suggests working along with parents to help them make better choices themselves. Finally, serving healthy snacks and exercising with the children can be beneficial in encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Because many children lack adequate physical activity during the week, setting aside time at youth group can ensure they participate at least once.

An important part of addressing the problem of childhood obesity is prevention. The Society for Nutrition Education suggests setting realistic goals for healthy eating, physical activity and a nurturing environment when dealing with the issue.

According to the Society of Nutrition Education, it is very important to promote healthy eating, not just by offering healthy snacks, but also by promoting healthy food choices at home. They suggest creating multiple opportunities for physical activity, as well. By providing a nurturing environment, children are taught to respect themselves and their bodies.

Although it is an increasing problem, there is hope in managing childhood obesity. Three years after Jessica’s story came to light, she had lost a total of 320 pounds without surgery. She was put on a strict diet and attends physical therapy five days a week. She is now able to walk, albeit with some difficulty, and lives life as a normal 10-year-old girl.

Teaching children to respect themselves, eat right and get plenty of physical activity will prepare them to live long, healthy lives.

Statistics according to the CDC:
• The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled, and in some cases tripled in the past 20 years.
• In some communities, almost half of the pediatric diabetes cases are type 2, which previously was thought only to affect adults.
• 70 percent of obese children have a chance of becoming obese adults.
• Less than 25 percent of high school students eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.
• One-third of high school students meet the recommended level of physical activity.
• 80 percent of children ages 5 and younger with working moms spend 40 hours a week in a daycare facility.
• Daily participation in physical education in schools has dropped 14 percentage points in the last 13 years.
• 7 percent of obese children suffer from sleep apnea.
• 61 percent of obese 5- to 10-year-olds already have risk factors for heart disease.
• 26 percent of those have two or more.