Photo courtesy of Jake Folsom

A new study cited in TIME and published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that if children eliminated 64 excess calories per day the government’s goals for lowering obesity rates in children by 2020 would be met. If this doesn’t occur, the rate of obesity in young people will rise from 16.9-percent to a whopping 21-percent. However, the researchers pointed out that children who are more obese will need to eliminate a larger number of excess calories, while other children need to eliminate less. The 64 calorie reduction is meant to represent the overall average for the youth population in the United States.

The difference between the amount of calories taken in versus the amount expended through growth, normal activities, exercise, and body functions is known as the energy gap. The goal is to close this energy gap and lower the childhood obesity rate to 14.6-percent by 2020. The rate hasn’t been that low since 2002. If steps aren’t taken to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic, kids on average will weigh four pounds more in 2020 than they did from 2007 to 2008.

The authors of the study suggest several strategies for lessening the energy gap and promoting a healthy weight in children. They advocate swapping water for sugary beverages in school and eliminating these same beverages after school. They also note the importance of comprehensive physical education programs and participation in after-school physical activity. To realize the goal of slimmer, healthier children and teens, prevention is important. Merely cutting out one-third of a slice of cheese pizza or four ounces of apple juice would be the equivalent of a 64 calorie reduction.

Colleen Gore for DailyHarrison.com