New food pyramid geared to children

Emphasis on activity is part of an attempt to make inroads against childhood obesity.

By Stephanie Stapleton, AMNews staff. Oct. 24/31, 2005.

In its continuing effort to combat the nation's obesity epidemic, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is setting its sights on kids.

On Sept. 28, the agency released a version of the food pyramid -- My Pyramid for Kids -- specifically tailored to children between the ages of 6 and 11. Complete with posters, a coloring page, tips for families and even an interactive video game -- all available on the Internet -- the overall message is in sync with the updated adult food pyramid and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines released earlier this year.

Physicians and other public health advocates generally considered the approach to be a positive step, but they also see room for more.

It provides "useful information, recommendations and tools," said AMA Trustee Ron Davis, MD. But its success will depend heavily on the motivation of parents and teachers. "I have a hard time imagining kids on their own accord spending much time on this instructional material," he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of overweight among children ages 6 to 11 more than doubled in the past 20 years, going from 7% in 1980 to 16% in 2002. For adolescents ages 12 to 19 it more than tripled, increasing from 5% to 16%.

And approximately 9 million children older than 6 are considered obese, based on a 2004 Institute of Medicine report.

These figures continue to translate into significant public health concerns. An estimated 61% of overweight young people have at least one additional risk factor for heart disease. And these children are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and poor self-esteem.