5-2-1-0 Program: Promoting Healthy Active Children
According to a Harvard University Prevention Research study, the prevalence of being overweight as a child in the United States tripled from 1980 to 2009. This staggering statistic also portrays a concerning outlook for the long-term health of US children, as excess weight is known to place children at higher risk for childhood onset diabetes and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, over half of parents do not realize that their child is overweight or obese (findings demonstrated in a PubMed review in 2021), which can cause delays or refusals of treatment for these at-risk children.
The major criteria for categorizing a child as overweight is determined by BMI, or Body Mass Index. This calculation takes into consideration the weight, height, and age of the child, and is sex-specific. The resultant BMI value is then graphed on a chart that has been standardized by the CDC, and is used as a marker for growth in children and teens over time similarly to the measurements of height, weight, and head circumference (in infants). Children who have a BMI from the 85th percentile to the 95 percentile are considered overweight. Those who have a BMI greater than the 95th percentile are considered obese.
The factors that cause children to gain excessive amounts of weight are complex. They include eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics, medications. Additionally, social determinates of health (SDOH) can be a large player in the factors that influence weight in children. SDOH are the conditions in which a person lives, works, plays, and learns. If these environments do not promote healthy living, it can be difficult for children to thrive in a healthy way.
If children gain weight from multiple factors, then we must approach the subject of healthy living in regards to weight from multiple angles. Thus, the 5-2-0-1 method was created. This method of thinking about healthy living has been shown to make an impact in the overweight burden in children by focusing on nutrition AND activity levels together in a simple way.
5 – servings of fruits and vegetables per day
2 – hours or less of screen time per day
1 – hour of physical activity per day
0 – sugar-sweetened drinks per day
Parents can encourage the 5-2-1-0 method by creating a home where healthy choices are more readily achieved – for instance, have fruits and vegetables available for snack time, and avoid buying sugary drinks. Promote activity by limiting screen time, or have children “earn” screen time with periods of active time.
Obviously, this is not the complete answer to the rising phenomenon of excess weight gain in children. The 5-2-1-0 method does not address sleep or SDOH, which can significantly impact the accessibility to healthy choices. However, it can be a good start for families to get on the right track to being more health together.
Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/prc/study-findings/research-briefs/notable-maine-youth-overweight.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877014/
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