It’s hard to read or listen to the news without learning about the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in our country. Here, in Hartford, the problem is even more severe. The obesity rate for Hartford children age two to five is double the national average (24 percent versus 12 percent).

Children who are obese are more likely to have high cholesterol and blood pressure, are at higher risk for diabetes, and are more likely to be bullied.

Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama announced a nationwide campaign to address the problem of childhood obesity.

Similar efforts are happening in Hartford.

Last December, the Hartford Foundation awarded $427,650 to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to support the Hartford Childhood Obesity Coalition.

This 31-member group of medical, academic, government and community representatives is working with residents to address risk factors affecting obesity where children spend their time: in their homes, neighborhoods and schools.

Last year, with the help of a planning grant from the Foundation, the Coalition was created and worked with regional and national experts to plan research-based projects that will help curb Hartford’s obesity epidemic.

The Coalition’s initial projects include:

• Conducting BMI (body mass index) screening of children at some Hartford public schools.
• Promoting greater public awareness of programs that encourage healthy behavior.
• Developing messages about healthy food choices.
• Providing safe walking and bicycling routes to schools in Hartford.

Over 2,000 children in Hartford will be served by these projects. The Coalition expects these efforts to result in an average 2-3 percent reduction in BMI over the grant period, leading to a significant decrease in health issues and health-related costs for children and adults.

Members of the Hartford Childhood Obesity Coalition report about recent activities to address obesity risk factors and promote healthy behavior in Hartford children.

To read more about the activities of the Coalition, including a pilot supported by the Aetna Foundation to increase communication between pediatricians and parents about the dangers of obesity, visit www.hfpg.org/coaltion.