The number of television shows dedicated to showing people losing weight confirms that the United States has a problem with obesity, and it's not just adults who are becoming super-sized. Belly fat, also called abdominal obesity, in children increased by 65 percent from the late 1980s to 2004, according to a report published in a 2006 "Pediatrics" article. Belly fat can be more dangerous to kids than being obese overall, according to Medical News Today, because the visceral fat located in the abdominal region surrounds vital organs. No matter the degree of obesity, the causes are largely the same.
High-Fat Diet
One of the main causes of belly fat in children is the high-fat diet that has become a staple in young people's lives. A March 2003 study by Johns Hopkins University showed that people who ate foods that are high in saturated fats were more likely to have a large waist circumference, an indicator of belly fat.
The Obesity Society concurs, when explaining some of the factors that lead to an overweight child. Foods that are high in fat, calories and sugar can add to the accumulation of visceral fat more readily than a diet that includes fresh produce and polyunsaturated fats. Children who are subjected to unpredictable eating patterns may also be more likely to develop belly fat as the volume of food eaten after a skipped meal increases. Portion control can also help avoid overall obesity as well as extra padding in the abdominal area.
Inadequate Exercise
Children who are sedentary are more prone to visceral fat in the belly, according to results of a Duke University study reported in 2003. Exercising may be able to reverse the condition, and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems that may occur as a child matures.
The Obesity Society relates this cause of childhood obesity in part to parenting style. A parent who does not exercise and does not encourage a child to be active, may be creating weight issues down the road that will affect the child's health and well-being. The Obesity Society suggests that parents be a role model for their children to prevent or reverse belly fat issues. Limiting sedentary activities such as television watching in favor of outdoor activities can benefit the entire family.
Genetics
Despite attempts to offer healthy foods and encourage physical activity, some children might be predisposed to belly fat due to genetics. Kids who have overweight parents are more likely to have weight problems themselves, especially if the children were born at a low birth weight or to a mother who gained a large amount of weight during pregnancy.
References
- "Pediatrics"; Recent Trends in Waist Circumference and Waist-Height Ratio Among US Children and Adolescents; Chaoyang Li et al; November 2006.
- Medical News Today: Belly Fat Of US Children Grew By Over 65% Since 1999
- Disabled World: Belly Fat and Children
- The Obesity Society: Childhood Overweight
- Wholistic Research Company: Hidden Fats: Men and Women
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