Childhood obesity is actually a serious medical condition. Obese kids become vulnerable to health problems that used to be suffered only by adults, including high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Kids do need extra nutrients to support growth and development. However, most obese children are eating more than they need for daily activity and growing. Genetic or hormonal causes of childhood obesity are rare.
Rates Increasing
The incidence of childhood obesity doubled during the past three decades. The Obesity Society estimates that one in five children in the United States is overweight. It is one of the most common problems today addressed by pediatricians.
Parental Obesity
Parental obesity often is a factor. This can be due to a family environment in which a sedentary lifestyle and excess eating are promoted or accepted. This factor can be coupled with an inherited genetic component that predisposes some children to become overweight. However, even kids with a genetic risk only gain too much weight by eating calories than they use, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Body Mass Index
A child with a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex is considered overweight. A child with a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile is classified as "at risk" for becoming overweight. Parents with concerns should speak with a doctor to determine whether treatment, such as lifestyle change, is needed and to monitor their child's growth and weight.
Poor Diet
Diet is a leading factor for childhood obesity. Eating lots of foods that are high in sugar, fat and calories can put a child at risk of putting on pounds. These include vending machine snacks, fast foods, baked goods, soft drinks, candy and desserts.
Inactivity
Inactivity contributes to childhood obesity. Kids who are sedentary don't burn calories through physical activity and so are likely to gain weight. Activities like watching TV and playing video games are sedentary.
Socioeconomics
Kids in low-income households are at greater risk of becoming obese, according to the Mayo Clinic. Parents in such households often lack resources or time to prioritize exercise and healthy eating.
Emotional Issues
Emotional and social problems are more common among obese children than their healthy-weight peers. These can include being bullied, having low self-esteem, having behavior or learning problems often due to stress and anxiety, and suffering from depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.
More Health Concerns
Obese children risk a host of health concerns. These include metabolic syndrome, asthma and other respiratory problems, sleep disorders, liver disease, early puberty, eating disorders and skin infections along with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
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