About Overweight and Obesity in Children

Overweight and obesity in children are health concerns in Williamson County. Children who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of being overweight or obese as adults. Factors that contribute to becoming overweight or obese include poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. Nutrition and physical activity recommendations for children are:

Nutrition Recommendations (ages 2-5):

• Grains – consume 3-5 oz. each day
• Vegetables – consume 1-2 cups each day
• Fruit – consume 1-1 ½ cups each day
• Milk - consume 2 cups each day
• Meat & Beans – consume 2-5 oz. each day

Nutrition Recommendations (ages 6-12):

• Grains – consume 6 oz. each day
• Vegetables – consume 2 ½ cups each day
• Fruit – consume 1 ½ cups each day
• Milk - consume 3 cups each day
• Meat & Beans – consume 5 oz. each day

Nutrition Recommendations (ages 13-18):

• Grains – consume 5-9 oz. each day
• Vegetables – consume 2-3 ½ cups each day
• Fruit – consume 1 ½-2 cups each day
• Milk - consume 3 cups each day
• Meat & Beans – consume 5-6.5 oz. each day

Physical Activity Recommendations (ages 2-18):

• To be healthy – at least 60 minutes most days of the week

Statistics

Based on the 2005 Youth Activity Weight and Nutrition Survey:

• 36% of children are at risk for becoming overweight or are already overweight
• 53% of children are not getting enough physical activity daily
• 52% of children do not meet the recommendation for fruit consumption daily
• 59% of children do not meet the recommendation for vegetable consumption daily

Complications

Being overweight or obese in childhood can lead to other health complications in adulthood. These complications vary by individual but in general include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Poor health status

About Overweight and Obesity in Adults

Overweight and obesity in adults are health concerns in Williamson County. Factors that contribute to becoming overweight or obese include poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. Nutrition and physical activity recommendations for adults to be considered healthy are:

Nutrition Recommendations (ages 19-69):

• Grains – consume 6 oz. each day
• Vegetables – consume 2 ½ cups each day
• Fruit – consume 2 cups each day
• Milk – consume 3 cups each day
• Meat & Beans – consume 5 ½ oz. each day

Nutrition Recommendations (ages 70+):

• Grains – consume 6 oz. each day
• Vegetables – consume 3 cups each day
• Fruit – consume 2 cups each day
• Milk – consume 3 cups each day
• Meat & Beans – consume 2 oz. each day

Physical Activity Recommendations (ages 19+):

• To be healthy - at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• To prevent weight gain – 60 minutes a day
• To maintain weight loss – 60-90 minutes a day

Statistics

Based on the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey:

• 63% of adults are overweight or obese
• 47% of adults are not getting enough physical activity daily
• 78% of adults do not meet the recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption

Complications