Obesity is a significant public health problem in the United States. According to The Obesity Society, one-quarter of Americans were obese in 2007. Obesity among children is a growing concern among public health officials, who worry that the epidemic will strain the nation's health care system. Childhood obesity is more prevalent in minority children than in white children.
Prevalence
Obesity is defined by a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher. According to CBS News, obesity is higher among minority children, especially black and Hispanic kids. Among children aged 2 to 19, 20 percent of minority children were obese in 2010, compared with 15 percent of whites.
Causes
Minority families have a higher number of risk factors for childhood obesity. These risk factors include mothers smoking during pregnancy, children getting too little sleep, very rapid weight increases in infancy, maternal pressure on children to eat more, kids having TVs in their bedrooms, and letting children consume fast-food and sugar-filled beverages. Minority children are also less likely to eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. This, along with inactive lifestyles, increase a child's risk for obesity.
Health Effects
Childhood obesity causes health problems that often persist into adulthood. Young children are developing conditions that traditionally affect adults, including hypertension, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Obese children often have increased inflammatory protein levels, an indication of higher risk for heart disease later in life. Obesity that continues into adulthood increases the risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, fertility problems, arthritis and other serious health problems.
Considerations
Some of the major risk factors for childhood obesity are more prevalent in low-income families than in higher-income families, regardless of racial group. Also, people with less education are more likely to have children who are obese. However, even when researchers account for socioeconomic status and education level, minority race is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Cultural beliefs and practices, in addition to poor nutrition, might play a role in the high levels of minority childhood obesity.
Prevention/Solution
While childhood obesity is a growing problem in minority groups, most behaviors that lead to obesity are reversible. Parents need to make sure their children eat healthy foods, consuming enough fruits and vegetables and avoiding junk food. Physical activity is also important in decreasing obesity rates. Restrict your child's television and video game usage, encouraging him to engage in daily physical activity instead.
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