Percentage Of Overweight Or Obese American Children

Weight issues in children and adolescents is quickly becoming an epidemic in the United States. The American Heart Association estimates that the incidence of obesity and overweight children has tripled since 1963, and is now the biggest health concern among parents. Obesity puts a child at risk for social, psychological and medical problems that are normally seen in adults.

The Numbers

Between 1980 and 2010, the rate of children obesity tripled in the United States. The 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey puts the rate of childhood obesity among children between 2- and 19-years-old at 17 percent. Estimates put the rate of overweight children at one in every three.The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that obesity in children generally manifests between the ages of 5 and 6 or during adolescence, and that preteen children who suffer from obesity have an 80 percent chance of becoming obese during their adult years.

Using BMI as an Index

The medical community screens children for obesity using its body mass index. Doctors use the child's age, sex, height and weight to calculate BMI, and consider children with a BMI in the 85th to 95th percentile as overweight, and those in the 95th percentile or greater at risk for obesity. BMI is used as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic tool. Children whose BMI puts them in top percentiles should undergo further screening.

Significance

Overweight and obese children often suffer from psychological problems, and are more prone to developing eating disorders, depression and eventually substance abuse. A host of medical issues usually result from obesity, including type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, depression, liver and gall bladder disease and breathing and sleeping issues. Many obese children live with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels that can eventually lead to heart disease and strokes when they become adults, according to the Nemours Foundation.

Causes

An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are the most common causes of obesity in children, and modern technology and today's hectic lifestyles exacerbate the problem. Video games, computers and television often replace basic outdoor play and sports, and drive-through fast food frequently replace healthy family meals. Other causes of obesity in children include a family history of the disease, serious illness, some prescription medications, stress, depression, social problems and low self-esteem.

Management and Prevention

The best prevention for weight issues and obesity in children is through education and the presence of solid role models. If your child is already suffering from obesity or is overweight, consult your pediatrician about a weight loss plan and slowly introduce dietary changes that include eating less fatty foods, controlling portion sizes and cutting down the amount of total calories your child eats per day. Encourage your child to exercise with you and have the family eat healthy meals at the table rather than in front of the television. Keep things positive, and focus on your child's strengths rather than on the weight issue.