Fit for Kids program launches attack on childhood obesity in Kane County

Both children and adults are getting heavier and unhealthier in Kane County, but health department officials are now pumping some money in the community in hopes of creating a lifestyle sentiment similar to the move away from smoking.

About 20 percent of the school population in the county is obese, according to data from the Kane County Health Department, which administered the Fit for Kids grants. Hispanic and black students tend to be more overweight as socio-economic limitations tend to lead to unhealthy eating choices and lower levels of activity.

Ultimately, said Mike Isaacson, that leads to increased rates of diabetes, a lower quality of life and premature death. Isaacson is the county's director of community health.

The health department this week handed out $160,000 to organizations in communities where the problems are most acute. The goal is to reach out to students first in hopes that they adopt a changes in diet and activity that stay with them for life and possibly also rub off on their parents.

"It is a change in the culture that we're seeking," Isaacson said. "This is a long-term intervention."

Isaacson said, realistically, it will take at least 10 years and ongoing funding to combat the onslaught of fast food, candy and other advertisements for unhealthy foods that children are bombarded with every day.

"It took us decades to get into this unhealthy situation, and it will take decades to reverse it," Isaacson said. "It's the strength of our grass roots numbers that is going to help us."

Where money went

Groups who received money this week for programing to address childhood obesity:

• Activate Elgin - $100,000

• Delnor Hospital Coalition - $30,000

• Healthy Living Council - $30,000