Childhood obesity is on the rise for children of all backgrounds. The childhood obesity rate has more than tripled since 1980, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children with a body mass index in the 95th percentile or higher are obese. As of 2008, 19.6 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are obese, and 18.1 percent of children ages 12 to 18 are obese. Many different factors cause obesity, which can lead to serious health problems.
Ethnicity and Race
While obesity is on the rise for all race and ethnic groups, children who are African American, Mexican American or Native American are more likely to be obese, according to the American Diabetes Association. A June 2006 article in the "Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine" found that Hispanic 3-year-olds were more likely to be obese than African American or white children of the same age, even after researchers adjusted for socioeconomic factors, including the mothers' education level, household income and access to food. Obesity, however, is on the rise in white children, and the disparity among the races is closing, according to a November 2008 article in "Diabetes Care."
Income
Children who come from low-income backgrounds are more likely to be obese. Parents who have low incomes are less likely to have the time to teach good eating habits and encourage physical activity. Additionally, low-income families may be more likely to buy foods that are calorie-dense, but lacking in nutrients because these foods are widely available and low in cost. In 2008, fats and sweets only cost 30 percent more than they did 20 years ago, while fresh produce increased 100 percent in the last 20 years, as cited by "Diabetes Care." Living in a high-poverty area also increases the risk of obesity in children.
Parental Influence
Parental influence plays a key role in childhood obesity. A multi-year study by the researchers at A&M University found that the more time mothers spend with their children, the less likely the children will be obese. However, the study also found that the more time children spend with their fathers, the more likely they will be obese. Children learn by their parents' examples. Parents can positively influence their children's weight by staying physically active, limiting the time in front of the television and eating healthy, balanced meals.
Effects
Obesity puts children at risk for both mental and physical health problems. Obese children are more likely to develop depression, self-esteem issues, substance abuse problems and risky dieting habits and eating disorders. Physically, obese children are at higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and problems with bones, joints, breathing and sleeping. Obese children are also prone to liver and gallbladder disease.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity
- "Diabetes Care"; Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture on Childhood Obesity: Implications for Prevention and Treatment; Sonia Caprio, Stephen R. Daniels, Adam Drewnowski, Francine R. Kaufman, Lawrence A. Palinkas, Arlan L. Rosenbloom, and Jeffrey B. Schwimmer; November 2008
- EurekAlert!: Hispanic 3-Year-Olds More Likely to be Obese Than Black or White Children
- EurekAlert!: Study Finds Parental Time to be Key in Fight Against Childhood Obesity
- MayoClinic.com: Childhood Obesity: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- KidsHealth.org: Overweight and Obesity: The Effects of Obesity
Member Comments