Family Battles Childhood Obesity

Since 1970, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has tripled.  According to Helping Hands Outreach, 15.5 percent of adolescents (12-19) and 15.3 percent of children (6-11) are obese.  

A number of factors are to blame for this epidemic, but one of them is the level of physical activity that children get – or don’t get.  

Fourteen-year-old Aaron Smith started a wellness journey one year ago, according to his mother, Lisa Smith. He is one of more than one million overweight or obese children in Georgia. In fact, Georgia has the second highest number of overweight or obese children in the U.S., falling just behind Mississippi.  

“He’s always battled with his weight,” Aaron's mother said.  “He was gaining ten to twelve pounds a year.” 

Aaron’s doctor suggested they go to the Health4Life clinic at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a clinic specializing in childhood obesity prevention.  

“The goal was to stabilize his weight,” Smith said.

Aaron’s activity level has changed the most since starting the program.  He joined ’s football team in February and played the entire season. Before joining the team, his last real physical activity was baseball – when he was four.  

"I try to keep myself active everyday," Aaron explained.  "Before I was lazy and did not want to do anything, but now I am more active ,and I enjoy it.  I love playing football, and I have friends that I hang out with that keep me active."

His mother makes changes in the way the entire family eats, as well.  

“As a family, when I cook, we don’t have bread with every meal,” she shared.  “I used to buy cookies when I went to the store, but I stopped with that.  We don’t keep it in the house and do granola bars instead.  If we drink sodas, we just do that on the weekends.”  

Lisa Smith, mother of three, now tries to have at least one green vegetable with every meal.  Her sixteen-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter do not struggle with their weight, a fact that makes things harder on Aaron.  

“As an adult I struggle with my weight,” Smith said.  “My sixteen-year-old eats as much as Aaron does, but doesn’t struggle.” 

That is something that Dr. Stephanie Walsh, Medical Director of Child Wellness for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, says happens often. Experts say genetics often play a role in childhood obesity, and an overweight child will often have a thin sibling.

“Always try to remember that being healthy should be happy,” said Walsh, who leads Health for Life clinic, a division of the Strong4Life children’s wellness initiative. “The children should find things they enjoy.”  

Taking the focus off of weight and on to health prevents children from having their self-esteem crushed, according to Walsh.  She believes that Aaron has flourished under the program.  

“He is such an amazing kid,” she said.  “He’s technically been discharged from our program because he’s doing so well and learned so much.  He found exercise and football; he’s a committed team player, and very honest and genuine.” 

In addition, it's found that children have a much easier time shedding the weight and getting healthy than adults.

“They are still growing upward,” she explained, “and if they can just stabilize their weight and grow taller, things will work themselves out.” 

Walsh is a strong believer that physical activity – or lack thereof – is a big contributor to weight issues.  Adolescent girls, for instance, tend to stop moving and exercising more than boys, which can lead to weight and health problems later on.  She stresses that finding an activity that you and your children enjoy is crucial.   

“Sit down together as a family,” she said.  “Being a good role model is one of the best ways to help your child.  You’re the parent – you decide what gets put on the table.”

She suggests getting rid of sugary drinks and focusing on fruits and vegetables. 

That advice is what Lisa Smith attributes to the changes she has seen in her son.  Aaron is much more active and has more energy than this time last year. 

"I have loss some weight, and I now eat some foods that I did not eat before," Aaron said, discussing how his life has changed.  "People do not talk about me as much and people are willing to help me to stay active." 

“He's a very upbeat child and doesn't let anything get him down,” his mom added.  “He is willing to try advice.  If he gains weight, he will say, ‘I know what I need to do.’  Nothing gets him down.”  

If you believe your child may be obese, schedule an appointment with their pediatrician. For more information, visit Strong4Life's website.