Childhood obesity is described as "one of the most complex and least understood clinical syndromes in pediatric medicine" (Muecke, Simons-Morton, Huang, & Parcel, 1999, p. 19). Studies are not consistent regarding causes of this obesity, however, caloric intake, physical activity levels, and high-fat consumption are considered risk factors for obesity. High-fat foods offer a target for diet modification since these foods increase total caloric intake and they are risk factors of cardiovascular problems (Muecke, Simons-Morton, Huang, & Parcel, 1999). Epstein, Valoski, Vara, McCurley, Wisniewski, Kalarchian, Klein, and Shrager (1995) pointed out the consequences of inactivity. One year after treatment (increased exercise or decreased sedentary behaviors), the sedentary children group reported lower caloric intake and a liking for high-intensity activity, more so than the exercise group. The authors concluded that treatment of childhood obesity needs to involve the changing of diet and exercise. The authors conclude that treatment of childhood obesity needs to involve the changing of diet and exercise. Obese children may also have lower self concepts; self-esteem is predictive of adult obesity (Matz, Foster, Faith, & Wadden, 2002).
Childhood obesity is increasing and threatens to become a serious health problem for large numbers of children (Dietz, Bland, Gortmaker, Molloy, & Schmid, 2002). The National Association for the Education of Young Children (2003) reports that early experiences impact future eating habits and childhood health. Poor diet is associated with chronic diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The food pyramid states that a healthy diet includes multiple servings of grains, fruits, and vegetables each day and a limited intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. Teaching good eating habits leads to building self-esteem. Learning activities that help children un...