Childhood obesity is a condition that results from an imbalance of calories, specifically too many calories in and too few calories expended. This caloric imbalance leads to excess body fat, which can negatively impact a child's health. Childhood obesity increases the risk for serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or cells are unable to utilize insulin needed by the body to metabolize glucose from food for energy.
Prevalence
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The National Center for Health Statistics states that the prevalence of obesity among children ages six to 11 years has increased from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 19.6 percent in 2008. Childhood obesity rates among older youth (ages 12 to 19 years) have also increased from 5.0 percent to 18.1 percent.
Identification
Type 2 diabetes is most common in adults; however the rise in childhood obesity has lead to increased prevalence among children. The disease is difficult to diagnose in children because children may go without symptoms for a long time. Blood tests to measure glucose metabolism are needed for accurate diagnosis.
Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that increase the risk of type 2diabetes. According to MayoClinic.com, these include weight, inactivity, family history, race and gender. Therefore children who are overweight, sedentary, and have a parent or sibling with type diabetes is at higher risk. Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian-American females are also at increased risk.
Prevention/Solution
Childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes are considered lifestyle diseases. According to the World Health Organization, increased consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high amounts of sugar and saturated fats combined with sedentary living has resulted in a global epidemic of obesity. Lifestyle changes that include eating a variety of healthy foods, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can be effective in maintaining normal body weight and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Projections
Currently, one-third of American children and adolescents are either obese or at risk of becoming obese. Preventing childhood obesity requires major lifestyle changes to prevent this generation of children from being the first not to outlive their parents.
