(Statewide) – Indiana children are facing some troubling health trends, including rising obesity rates among the state’s youngest kids.
The Indiana Youth Institute is putting physical wellness at the center of a new series examining what children need to thrive. Over the next few months, the organization will discuss different dimensions of wellness and what they mean for youth living in the state.
Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the institute, said the latest numbers show why healthy habits need to start early.
“More than one in five Indiana children are living with obesity. Nearly four in 10 are either overweight or obese. Those specifically ages 2 to 5, obesity jumped 83 percent between 2014 and 2023,” Silverman outlined.
Silverman pointed out physical wellness includes much more than organized sports. Walking, biking, dancing and active play all count. She added adults can help children develop consistent sleep routines, eat nutritious foods and keep screens from replacing physical activity. Silverman acknowledged not all families can carry the responsibility alone.
“Healthy foods can be hard to find or afford, especially as food and gas costs rise. We know that some neighborhoods lack safe parks or places to play or even sidewalks,” Silverman noted.
She stressed schools, coaches, youth programs and community leaders can reinforce those habits by providing healthy food, opportunities for active movement and safe places for children to play.
(Story by Indiana News Service)
