Kids in the United States are at a higher risk than ever of becoming overweight and obese, making it the top concern among parents, according to the American Heart Association. Addressing these weight problems as soon as possible will help protect kids from developing weight-related issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders.
Screening and Diagnosis
Health care professionals commonly use body mass index, or BMI, to determine whether kids are in the overweight or obese category. A child's BMI can be calculated by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared, multiplied by a conversation factor of 703. However, kids haven't reached their final height and weight, so a single BMI number isn't as representative as it would be for adults. Health care professionals, therefore, use growth charts to diagnose weight problems based on norms, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kids at or above the 85th percentile for BMI of children of the same age and sex may undergo further testing for weight-related health problems.
Prevalence
About one in three kids and teens in the United States is either overweight or obese, which is almost triple the 1963 rate, according to the American Heart Association. The rate for non-Hispanic kids is 31.9 percent for males and 29.5 for females; the rate for non-Hispanic black kids is 30.8 percent for males and 39.2 for females -- and the rate for Mexican American kids is 40.8 percent for males and 35 percent for females.
Causes of Overweight
Kids in the United States commonly become overweight due to a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits or a combination of both. However, genetic factors also play a role in determining shapes and sizes. Kids are 50 percent more likely to become obese if one parent is obese and 80 percent more likely to become obese if both parents are obese, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Medical conditions rarely play a role in weight problems -- under 1 percent of obesity is related to physical problems.
Treatment
Physicians commonly emphasize preventing further weight gain in overweight and obese kids. This means many kids with weight problems won't have to lose weight, but rather, they will "even out" as they grow by adopting healthier lifestyles. Strict diet and exercise regimes aren't usually realistic for children. Cutting calories and allowing occasional favorite treats is one way to help prevent further weight gain. For example, parents can increase their family's intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduce serving sizes of fatty foods such as fried meat and whole fat dairy products. Parents can also boost their family's exercise levels by initiating active whole-family hobbies such as hikes, bowling games and trips to the zoo and water park.
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