LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Childhood obesity has doubled in the past two decades and tripled in adolescents. It's a growing problem that's leading many to take a stand and address this issue.
One author's approach is sparking conversation among the masses. Paul Kramer, an ex-New Yorker and current Hawaiian resident, is fighting childhood obesity with a new book.
"Maggie Goes on a Diet" centers around a 14-year-old girl who feels her extra weight could be holding her back from her full potential. The book is set to be released in October, but many are questioning if it's the best way to address childhood obesity.
As a state and a nation we face a growing epidemic of childhood obesity.
"We really [want to] work on improving overall eating habits. Decreasing some of the kind of pitfalls and then just work on increasing their activity," says Betsy Day, a registered dietitian at UAMS.
Day says diet is given a bad connotation, especially when associated with kids.
"These are the foods we want to eat to be healthy and to feel good about ourselves. Not so much on diet and weight loss. And if we're doing that, incorporating this advice into our overall eating habits and life skills it just becomes natural," adds Day.
In the upcoming children's book "Maggie Goes on a Diet," author Paul Kramer describes a 14-year-old girl who is overweight, is picked on and isn't popular until she goes on a diet and joins the soccer team.
And this has many parents speaking out.
"The title kind of shocked me. I kind of hate the word diet and I hate that we use it. I especially don't think kids know about diets or need to be knowing about the diets," says Amy Bradley-Hole, mother of two boys.
Bradley-Hole says there is some truth to the premise of the book.
"A lot of times bigger kids do get picked on. A lot of times, the skinnier, more attractive kids are the more popular," Bradley-Hole adds.
But Bradley-Hole says that shouldn't influence a child's decision to lose weight.
"I don't think that we should teach kids to do anything because they're sad or afraid or depressed or they feel bad about themselves. You do these things because they make you happy, because they make you feel good," says Bradley-Hole.
Mom Crystal Duncan agrees.
"I don't think they need a goal of being popular to make them want to lose weight. Don't be so focused on their weight as much as them eating healthy. Don't criticize them. Try to do it nice," Duncan says.
And one thing on which all these moms agree.
"It starts with mom and dad and parents modeling the behaviors for their children," says Day.
"I think it all starts in your home and the way you eat. Your children should be taught at a young age to eat healthy," adds Duncan.
"Best thing I can do with my kids is lead by example," Bradley-Hole says.
The Arkansas Child Health Advisory Committee plans to discuss this very topic in an open meeting Thursday, September 8 from 9 a.m. until noon. The committee will address statewide efforts to decrease childhood obesity and develop nutrition and physical activity standards. The meeting will be held in Room 906 of the Freeway Medical Building at 5800 W. 10th St. in Little Rock.