Prevention

Obesity is a disease that can affect anyone, and like most diseases, it brings many complications along with it. Having obesity can increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even certain forms of cancer.¹ It can affect families and communities for generations,^2,3 bringing burdens that are physical, mental, and financial. Increasingly, it begins in childhood, threatening the ability of our children to live long, happy lives. But it can be stopped.

Prevention is the greatest weapon we have in the fight against obesity. From understanding the impact that a mother’s health can have even before conception, to the far-reaching effects of poor nutrition and increasing screen time, there is a lot that goes into establishing the defense that can keep obesity at bay. Just as we understand that proper nutrition and physical activity can ward off heart disease, we also recognize that those same habits can shield the body from obesity as well.

Treatment for obesity is available and continues to be shown to be both safe and effective. However, with the knowledge and appropriate tools, we can help our children prevent this issue before it ever starts.