September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month, and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is dedicating this month to educating and supporting children affected by obesity and their families, and fighting back against childhood obesity bullying. 

What is Childhood Obesity? 

Childhood obesity affects one in five children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. Like in adults, obesity in children is a chronic disease characterized by excessive or abnormal body fat impacting health. The reasons for childhood obesity are often complex, involving environmental factors, lack of physical activity, genetics, dietary patterns and socioeconomic status. 

The Time is Now to Fight Weight Bias and Bullying 

Having excess weight or obesity is one of the most common causes of why children are bullied at school, as 30% of girls and 24% of boys with excess weight report daily bullying, teasing and rejection. Weight bias and weight-based bullying can dramatically decrease quality of life and have devastating consequences on childhood development and well-being, such as poor mental and physical health and may even worsen obesity as a result. 

Every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This is why the OAC is committed to programs that educate families about obesity and excess weight, advocate to ensure children can access treatments, support children through their health journeys and end weight bias once and for all

In the coming year, the OAC will develop more robust programs and initiatives focused on childhood obesity by engaging parents, teachers, administrators and most importantly, students in crafting our newest strategies. 

We Need Your Help 

At the OAC, we envision a world where all children can reach their full potential without fear of weight-based bullying, but we can’t get there without your help. By donating to the OAC during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, you’re providing the funds that allow us to continue and expand on our efforts to support children with obesity. Every contribution goes toward preventing weight-based bullying and providing hope and healing to those who have already been mistreated.

Act now to make the world a better place for children with obesity.