The Utah Department of Health has found that children 5 to 17 drink too much sugary soda - more than five a week - and spend too much time watching TV and playing video games. The department's survey of Utah families determined that 71 percent of children watch two or more hours of TV on weekends, and 31 percent watch that much on weekdays.
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in America, and too many Utah kids are at risk of diabetes, heart disease and other ailments because they are overweight or obese. Too little exercise and too much fat and sugar in diets are the main culprits nationwide.
The Department of Health cites statistics linking poor diet and sedentary lifestyle with disease and behavioral problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that too much TV watching is associated with obesity, violent or aggressive behavior, substance abuse, sexual activity and poor school performance.
It's likely that family influences are part of the root cause. Adults should set a good example, getting off the sofa and doing some walking, running, sports or other exercise. When adults drink too much soda, their children are likely to follow suit.
The health department report indicates that five sodas a week should be the limit for children - if those sodas are the only sugar in their diet. But that's not likely.
Many national studies show that diets high in sugar are usually also high in fat, and a great deal of those nutrients come from soda and fast food.
This first-ever look at Utah children's behavior and how it affects their weight should prod families to take a look at how they spend their time and what they eat and drink. Choices made by children, or for children, when they are very young affect their future habits and behavior, sometimes dictating how healthy they will be throughout their lives.
Healthy children have a better chance of becoming healthy adults than do overweight or obese children, and healthier Americans could save money on medical costs, insurance and long-term care.
Putting children on the road to good health makes good sense for them, their families and for Utah.
