The rising rate of obesity among U.S. children is a national epidemic. Close to one-third of children ages 2 to 19 is either overweight or obese, according to a 2010 White House task force report. Obesity rates have been steadily climbing for several decades as have the size of food portions, sugar consumption and physical inactivity. Childhood obesity, like obesity among adults, can lead to serious health problems. And like adults, solving the problem of obesity is complex and challenging.
Trends and Statistics
An estimated 16.9 percent of U.S. children are classified as obese, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data on obesity rates show that a significant increase in childhood obesity has occurred since 1976. For example, preschool age children saw an increase from 5 percent to 10.4 percent between the periods 1976-1980 and 2007-2008. Elementary school-aged children's obesity rates rose from 6.5 percent to 19.6 percent in that time. Adolescents went from 5 percent to 18.1 percent in that period. The CDC reports that the highest rates of childhood obesity occur among teenage, Mexican American boys and teenage black girls, at 26.8 and 29.2 percent, respectively.
Causes and Related Issues
The reasons for rising childhood obesity are many. Children are less physically active, snack more and eat more meals prepared away from home. Portion sizes are also significantly bigger than they were a generation ago, according to the CDC. Consumption of sugary drinks is cited as a concern by the CDC as well the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. Sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages are the third-largest supplier of calories to Americans ages 2 to 18. Many other issues also factor in to rising childhood obesity. For example, children spend more time in front of screens -- computers, TVs, music and game devices -- than children of previous generations. Some children simply live closer to fast food and convenience stores than grocery stores with fresh fruits and vegetables. And some families can't afford some healthy foods no matter how close they live to a supermarket. Marketing and advertising also shape children's eating preferences.
Consequences of Childhood Obesity
The White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity estimates the direct medical costs of treating excess weight among children at $3 billion annually. Children who are obese quite often become adults who are obese. Obese children are increasingly being diagnosed with health issues that were previously solely in the domain of adults. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, hardened arteries, fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and sleep apnea are among them. Moreover, childhood obesity triggers harm to the cardiovascular system and being obese in childhood can accelerate the development of heart disease. Weight problems among children even pose a threat to national security, says the White House Task Force. Fewer youth are fit to serve because of their weight. Worst, the task force and other public health authorities say the current generation may have a shorter lifespan than their parents.
Help Obese Children
If your child is obese, get the help of your child's health-care provider and school. Your doctor can provide tips on how to maintain your children's health while they are still growing and monitor your child for health problems related to obesity. Be a support to your child by instilling a sense of self-worth that is not based on physical appearance. Listen to your child and accept him unconditionally. Be a role model, too. Model the healthful eating and physically active lifestyle you want your child to emulate,
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