Overweight and obese children are a growing public health concern, as these children have increased risks for chronic diseases. Public health officials worry that members of the young generation will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents' generation because of the medical problems associated with obesity. Several factors contribute to weight problems in children, many of which parents and other adults can help control.
Definition
Health professionals use body mass index, or BMI, to define obesity in children. BMI calculations are derived from a child's height and weight. The Centers for Disease Control considers children with a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile to be overweight. Children who score at or above the 95th percentile are defined as obese.
Diet
Poor dietary choices contribute to childhood obesity. Children eat more high-calorie snacks, drink more soft drinks, drink less milk and consume larger portions than in the past. The decline of breakfast consumption and sit-down meals at home also contribute to weight gain. Many children do not eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products, which promote healthy weight. The prevalence of youth-oriented marketing strategies for unhealthy foods also promotes childhood overweight and obesity.
Exercise
The prevalence of television, computers, video games and cell phones increases the amount of time children spend at rest. Children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Many children do not achieve this exercise goal because they spend free time in front of television or computer screens, rather than engaging in active play. Some schools cut physical education programs and recess time, further decreasing children's physical activity levels.
Environmental Factors
Other factors such as parental influence, genetics, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity contribute to childhood overweight and obesity. Children from low-income households tend to be overweight because of the availability of unhealthy fast food, lack of parental education about physical health, cultural attitudes toward weight or a sedentary lifestyle.
Significance
Being overweight or obese puts a child at higher risk for several chronic diseases. Rates of Type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep disorders and asthma increase among children with weight problems. Overweight or obese children can suffer from low self-esteem, depression and bullying.
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