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Fighting childhood obesity with 'The Power of the Pyramid'

Preston Polygon is the worst waiter in the world. To keep his job at the Pyramid Restaurant, Preston has 20 minutes to become a fitness and nutrition expert. To make matters worse, a mummy wants his job.

Will Preston learn "We Have the Power 2 Be Fit?" Thousands of children throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin are finding out when "The Power of the Pyramid" comes to their elementary school.

What's 'The Power of the Pyramid'?

"The Power of the Pyramid" is a 30-minute play that teaches kids they have the power to eat well and get fit.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics, the Minnesota Medical Association and PreferredOne are sponsoring the play as part of an effort to reduce childhood obesity. In 2006, two troupes from the National Theatre for Children peformed 273 shows for nearly 63,000 students at 156 schools. The program is continuing through 2007.

"Growing up overweight puts you at risk for many health problems, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer," says Ellie Zuehlke, Allina's community benefit director. "That's why we're reaching out to kids in this fun and interactive way."

For performance information,call Katie Griep at the National Theatre for Children, 612-341-0882, ext. 202.

Why sponsor a play?

Research shows that plays like "The Power of the Pyramid" are an effective way to improve healthy eating among children.

In producing "The Power of the Pyramid," the National Theatre for Children worked with health care and education experts to give audiences solid messages about nutrition and exercise.

Workbooks, posters and other "Power of the Pyramid" materials help teachers reinforce the play's messages in the classroom. Take-home activities help students bring the messages home to their families.

In addition, Allina Medical Clinic locations will receive materials they can use to help children and families reach and maintain healthy weights.

Why worry about childhood obesity?

Children are obese or overweight when they have a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender.

• In the United States, the number of overweight children, ages 6 to 19, has tripled in the last two decades.
• In Minnesota, 15 to 22 percent of adolescents and 13 percent of children younger than age 5 are overweight.

Studies suggest that future life spans will get shorter if childhood obesity rates do not go down.

• About 60 percent of overweight 5 to 10 year-olds have a least one risk factor of heart disease – such as high blood pressure or cholesterol – while 25 percent have two or more.
• In addition to heart disease, being overweight makes children prone to many other physical problems, like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, impaired balance, and bone and joint ailments.
• "Fat kids" often experience bullying, teasing, discrimination and other social problems. This often causes low self-esteem, depression and other emotional health issues.
• Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults. This puts them at risk of getting obesity-related diseases, such as arthritis, some cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

"It's critical for children and their families to understand the importance of nutrition and exercise," says Minnesota Medical Association President David Luehr, MD. "By learning how to maintain a healthy weight, children can avoid diseases linked to obesity."

Related Links

Nutrition: For children & teens

Fitness: Physical activity

Healthy Kids in Healthy Places Community Action Forum

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: BMI calculator for children and teens

First published: 11/17/2005
Last updated: 01/23/2007

Reviewed by: Paul Kleeberg, MD, medical director, Allina.com