With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting the number of obese children more than tripled from 1980 to 2010, childhood obesity represents a significant problem for parents, educators and government officials in the United States. A child meets the criteria for an obesity diagnosis if she has a body mass index higher than 95 percent of the other children her age. BMI is a measure of body fat based on a person's height and weight.
Significance
Childhood obesity increases the risk of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, sleep apnea, gallstones and menstrual irregularities later in life. Obese children also have a greater likelihood of becoming obese adults than children at normal weights. Obesity also decreases life expectancy and results in increased health care costs.
Causes
The causes of obesity in children include unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, genetics, parental influence and psychological disorders. When a child eats high-calorie foods without increasing his activity level, weight gain occurs. If this pattern of overeating and not exercising continues, a child becomes overweight or obese. Scientists know that genetics play a role in childhood obesity because twin and adoption studies show that biological relatives maintain similar body weights. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services explains that genetics contribute 5 to 40 percent of the risk for obesity in children. Parents also affect the development of childhood obesity with their own eating habits and the habits they encourage in their children. Children who experience high levels of stress and anxiety may overeat in an attempt to cope with these problems, leading to excess weight gain.
Considerations
Race, economic status and environmental factors also play a role in childhood obesity development. In low-income neighborhoods, children may not have access to nutritious foods. Neighborhoods that lack safe places to walk, cycle or perform other physical activities make it difficult for children to get enough exercise. African-American and Mexican-American children and teens have a greater risk of developing obesity, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Screening
Screening programs make it possible for medical professionals to identify at-risk children or children who are already obese. A child's pediatrician should track his height and weight at each visit to screen for obesity. As of December 2010, some schools have also implemented body mass index screening programs. Children with a screening test that indicates obesity receive referrals to medical professionals for further evaluation and possible treatment.
Prevention
Parents and educators must work together to prevent childhood obesity since children spend a significant amount of time in school. Parents should encourage children to increase their physical activity and reduce time spent on sedentary activities. Parents should also purchase nutritious foods and avoid providing their children fast food, snack foods and other foods with little nutritional value. Educators should teach children about the importance of good nutrition, discuss portion control and encourage students to take part in physical activity during school.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity
- MayoClinic.com: Childhood Obesity: Tests and Diagnosis
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital: Health Risks of Overweight Children
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Childhood Obesity
- Healthy Children: Downsizing a Super Sized Problem: Curbing Childhood Obesity
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools (PDF)
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