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• In 1999, 13% of children age 6 to 11 and 14% of adolescents age 12 to 19 were overweight whereas, from 1971 to 1974, the numbers were 4 and 6% respectively.

• From 1979 to 2000, health care costs for obesity-related conditions in youths age 6 to 17 increased from $35 million to $127 million – in 2001 dollars.

• Every week, children watch 12 to 14 hours of television and play 7 hours of video games.

• Fewer than 1 in 4 children get 20 minutes of vigorous activity every day of the week. In fact fewer that 1 in 4 reported getting at least half an hour of any type of physical activity every day.

• Type 2 diabetes, once called “adult onset” diabetes, and high blood pressure, one thought to be age-related, are now being diagnosed in children and teens.

“Statistics like this present a clear call of action to all levels of fitness professionals and it is the reason why IDEA has launched a major initiative called, Inspire the World to Fitness?. This campaign is designed to harness the energy and expertise of fitness professionals as a way to fight the twin health care concerns of obesity and physical inactivity. While most IDEA members – indeed, most fitness professionals – already work with people committed to getting fit, they need to expand their outreach and connect with people who are either too intimidated to exercise or are unfamiliar with the benefits of a regular fitness program,” said Kathie Davis, executive director of IDEA Health & Fitness Association.

Parents with overweight or obese children should keep these points in mind when looking for a fitness program:

Create a Safe Environment. Establishing conditions where kids feel secure is key. Many overweight children are self-conscious about their appearance and feel more comfortable working through their personal challenges in a psychological “safe space.”

Stay Positive. Never say anything degrading and make sure you are a source of encouragement. Create a session or workout so they succeed and deserve a compliment.

Develop Trust. Overweight children are often wary of exercise, so trust is a must. By being a friend or someone they respect, they are more inclined to accept your advice about healthy eating and fitness.

Empower Kids. Ask a child who has succeeded in meeting their goals to work with you as an assistant teacher. Often they are invaluable in motivating other kids and serve as a child mentor to those having difficulties adhering to an exercise program.

For long-term weight loss in children, parents must be involved as well. Fitness professionals and others need to work with parents and educate them about the following.

Healthy Eating. Give parents practical suggestions for decreasing calories. Maybe, instead of sugar-laden and high calorie sodas, they can persuade their children to drink healthier alternatives.

TV and Video Game Time. Encourage parents to develop a family fitness activity as they limit the time that their children spend in sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing video games.

Positive Reinforcement. Give children choices that will make them more enthusiastic about exercise. Rather than say, “If you don’t ride your bike, you’ll have to clean your room,” try “if you ride your bike, you can go to the movies.”

Realistic Expectations. It’s important that fitness professionals communicate with parents about reasonable results given the amount of time their children are active and what they eat.

IDEA is the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals with more than 23,000 members in over 80 countries. Since 1982, IDEA has provided health and fitness professionals with pertinent information, educational opportunities, career development programs and industry leadership while helping them enhance the quality of life worldwide through safe, effective fitness and healthy lifestyle programs. For more information on IDEA events, publications, educational products, member services or other activities, visit the IDEA website at: www.IDEAfit.com.

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