Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of more than 30 kg/m2. Generally, an obese person is carrying at least 20 percent more weight than would be considered healthy for his height. The incidence of childhood obesity in the United States is relatively high and continuing to climb. If you are obese as a child, it can impact your future health.
Incidence
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States and other Western countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that childhood obesity has increased more than threefold between 1980 and 2010. Among children ages 6 to 11 in the U.S., childhood obesity is 19.6 percent. The rate of childhood obesity between ages 12 and 19 years in the United States was 18.1 percent in 2008.
Immediate Effects
Childhood obesity can affect a child's health and health risks both short-term and long-term. An obese child runs a higher risk of cardiovascular problems than a non-obese child, in addition to other problems including issues with the skeleton and bones, or the development of sleep apnea. In addition to these physical health problems, obese children and youth may experience emotional and social problems. According to an article in the May 2004 issue of the journal "Pediatrics," obese and overweight children are more likely than healthy-weight children to experience bullying and social problems at school.
Future Health
The implications of childhood obesity in terms of future health impact are varied. Statistically, an obese child is more likely than a non-obese child to be obese or overweight in adulthood. An obese child who grows up to be overweight or obese therefore runs a relatively high risk of adult health conditions related to obesity. Such conditions include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer or osteoarthritis. When an obese child achieves a healthy adult weight, there is still a risk of health problems associated with her previous obesity in childhood. MayoClinic.com reports that obese children often develop mental health problems including depression, low self-esteem and learning or behavioral problems. These problems may persist into adulthood, regardless of an individual's adult weight.
Prevention/Solution
Childhood obesity can be prevented by ensuring your family and children have a healthy lifestyle overall. Physical activity is an important part of preventing obesity, as exercise burns excess calories which otherwise can lead to additional body weight in stored fat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that a school's health policies and programs, including the school meal plan, all play an important part in preventing childhood obesity. It is ideal to exercise as a family -- walking or cycling to school instead of driving would be good regular exercise opportunities.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity
- PubMed.gov: Associations Between Overweight and Obesity with Bullying Behaviors in School-Aged Children
- MayoClinic.com: Childhood Obesity
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Make a Difference at Your School
- BMI Calculator: Calorie Intake to Lose Weight
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