The number of obese children and adolescents in the United States as of 2008 had tripled since 30 years earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported an 18.6 percent obesity rate in children aged 6 to 11 and 18.1 percent obesity in adolescents 12 to 19. Obesity results from consuming more calories than the body uses. Childhood obesity is an issue of concern for local and federal agencies, health professionals, communities, schools and families.
Causes
Genetics and family history, in combination with other contributing factors, can increase a child's propensity for excess weight gain, according to the CDC. Poor dietary habits and inactive lifestyles are also factors. Many children consume high-calorie drinks, eat large portions at meals and engage in unhealthy snacking. Children are less active at home and at school than in previous generations. Environmental factors include parental modeling of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and community barriers to physical activity.
Health Issues
Obese children are likely to face immediate and long-term health and emotional consequences. An obese child is more likely to be at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions related to lifestyle. Obesity causes bone and joint problems, which can result in osteoarthritis over time. Obese children and adolescents are more likely to experience low self-esteem, teasing, and psychological problems. Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, the KidsHealth website reports.
Parents
The CDC encourages parents to help obese and overweight children by teaching good eating habits, providing low-calorie and low-fat food choices, removing poor food choices from the home, serving smaller portions at meals, encouraging physical activity and exercise and reducing the time your child spends in activities such as watching television and using the computer.
Schools and Communities
As a national health problem, solving the issue of childhood obesity requires the participation of schools and communities. Schools help by revising nutrition and physical activity programs, and increasing educational programs, to promote healthier choices by children. Communities are encouraged to investigate creating spaces that encourage physical activity, such as bike paths, neighborhood parks. Access for low-income communities to low-cost, healthy foods also can promote healthier food choices by parents.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Overweight and Obesity
- KidsHealth: Overweight and Obesity - The Effects of Obesity
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tips for Parents -- Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight
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