Before 1976, only 5 percent of American children were considered obese. Since then, something happened.

The number of children and adults who are obese has grown dramatically. In 1989, only 15 percent of the population was considered heavy. Now, 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese.

Professor Leslie Lytle of the University of Minnesota was on hand Thursday at “Get Moving Night” at Brookside Education Center to discuss some of the reasons why experts believe obesity is on the increase and what families can do about it.

Lytle said there doesn’t seem to be one clear-cut reason why obesity is on the rise, but instead a number of factors appear to be at work.

“To tell the truth, we don’t know why we got so big,” she said. “But it’s happening across all races and across the globe.”

Among the things experts believe may contribute to the rise in obesity are the prevalence of cable television, more women working outside the home, busy lifestyles, larger portions, the movement to “supersize” fast-food meals and easier access to sugary drinks.

Lytle said by drinking one can of regular cola each day, a person can gain 17 pounds.

There may also be a genetic piece involved in the trend toward obesity, she said. “But our gene pool didn’t change dramatically in 1976,” she added.

What can families do to reverse the trend?

Reduce time in front of the television.

Increase activity levels.

Reduce or eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages.

Develop positive family eating practices.

Eat more family meals in the home.

Be good role models of healthy eating patterns for children.

To help parents get their kids moving and to gather information on healthy living, all parent-school organizations from Sibley, Lakeview, Hawthorne, Halverson and St. Theodore elementary schools in Albert Lea and Glenville-Emmons Elementary banded together to hold Get Moving Night.

“Sibley does a lot of school family nights,” said Patty Peek of the Sibley parent-school organization. “This one of the choices for an evening suggested by the Fit Forever initiative and the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project.”

So the Sibley organization decided to have the event at Brookside, so they could use the rock gym, and to invite all the other schools.

Some 200 people, including parents and children, signed in for the event.

In addition to Lytle’s presentation, kids could use the rock wall, play Wii Fit games, take part in hula hoop and jump rope marathons, bowling, relay races, freeze tag, basketball hoop shoot, scooter races, limbo stick and parachutes. There were also healthy snacks and water, information tables, blood pressure checks and free jump ropes. Kids could earn up to three stamps on their Fit Forever passports.

Peek said attendance was better than organizers had hoped for and they may look at doing another such night in the winter.

“Statistics show that kids who have parents involved in their school do better academically,” Peek said. “This is also a way for families to spend time together.”

Parent Julie Savelkoul said she appreciated the opportunity for families to be able to get together to gain more information on being active and eating healthy. She noted that some parents in the information session hadn’t yet heard of the Blue Zones, so it was a good way to reach more people about that.

Parent Dave Lindely said he liked getting out and talking with other parents.

Sibley teacher Nancy Sorlie said she felt the event was well organized and fun. “We didn’t know how many people would come, but we’re pleased to see so many turn out,” she said.