Childhood obesity is an increasing problem in the United States. For example, obesity rates in children ages 2 to 5 rose to 10.4 percent in 2007 to 2008 and from 5 percent in 1976 to 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity rates in children ages 6 through 19 rose a dramatic 13.1 percent in the same period. Because surgeries and medications are typically not recommended in children, the first line of defense should be healthier family lifestyle choices.
Causes
Lack of physical activity, poor diet or a combination are the most common causes of overweight and obesity in children, but genetics also play a role. Children are currently exposed to a host of sedentary pastimes, including television, video games and computer games. Additionally, children --- particularly girls --- tend to become less active as they go through their teen years, according to the Office of the Surgeon General.
Significance
Obese children are more likely to have health problems in youth and adulthood. During childhood they are more likely than other children to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They are also more likely to have sleep apnea, joint problems, social problems such as bullying and psychological problems such as low self-esteem. Finally, children who are overweight or obese are more likely to become obese adults. About 80 percent of overweight 10- to 15-year-olds may be obese at age 25, and about 25 percent of obese adults may be overweight in childhood, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diagnosis
Your pediatrician will be able to help assess your child's body fatness by calculating your child's body mass index, or BMI. The pediatrician will plug your child's height and weight into the BMI formula and plot the resulting number on a growth chart for children of the same age and sex. Your child is considered overweight if his BMI-for-age is at the 85th or under the 94th percentile and overweight if his BMI is at or above the 95th percentile.
Diet Recommendations
Make small adjustments to your child's diet, such as reducing how much sugar she consumes through beverages, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Simply cutting out one soda per day can save your child 150 unnecessary calories. Take your child grocery shopping with you and encourage her to pick out her favorite nutritious snacks; recommend fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, rice cakes, low-fat string cheese, whole grain pretzels and crisp vegetables with dips such as peanut butter. Skip the cookie and cracker aisle and don't keep sugary treats in the house. Cook and eat together so that you can monitor your child's eating habits and set a positive example.
Exercise Recommendations
Children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days, though some children may need to exercise more to prevent weight gain, according to the Office of the Surgeon General. You don't need to involve your child in a rigorous exercise program or force him to join sports if he isn't athletic. However, find ways to encourage active habits. For example, limit his computer and television time to under 2 hours per day, get him active gifts such as a basketball or dance video game and go on active family outings such as hikes and trips to the zoo.
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