Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of many potentially serious physical and mental health problems, both during childhood and later in life. Doctors consider a child obese if his BMI falls at or above the 95th percentile when compared to his peers. According to the American Heart Association, overweight and obese children tend to become overweight adults at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions. Prevention and early treatment of obesity is essential to reducing these health risks.
Significance
One in three children in the United States is overweight or obese, according to the Nemours Foundation, and this number continues to grow every year. The University of Michigan Health System states that the number of obese American children doubled between 1980 and 2000, with the rate of obese teens tripling in that same time period. The figures are so high, in fact, that childhood obesity is now considered an epidemic. Moreover, childhood obesity is a not a problem limited to the United States; the World Health Organization estimates that at least 20 million children under the age of 5 years meet the criteria for obesity worldwide.
Causes of Obesity in Children
One explanation for the rising rate of childhood obesity is that children spend less time exercising and more time watching television or playing video games than they did in the past. An increasing reliance on fast and prepackaged meals may also contribute to childhood obesity, according to the Nemours Foundation, since these foods are typically higher in calories and fat than home-cooked meals. A poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are not the only causes of childhood obesity, however, and some children may have difficulty controlling their weight due to genetic factors or endocrine disorders. According to the University of Michigan Health System, teenagers with even one overweight or obese parent have an 80 percent chance of becoming overweight.
Obesity-Related Health Risks
Childhood obesity increases the risk of many serious health conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, liver problems and gallbladder disease. Overweight children are also nearly twice as likely to develop asthma as children of healthy weight, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health. The effects of childhood obesity continue throughout life, with adults who suffered from obesity during childhood being at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Psychological Considerations
In addition to the potentially serious physical effects of obesity on children's health, being significantly overweight puts kids at increased risk of developing psychological and emotional disorders. According to the Nemours Foundation, obesity makes children more prone to low-self esteem and low self-worth, primarily due to teasing and rejection by peers. Moreover, overweight and obese children are more likely to develop eating disorders and are at risk for depression and substance abuse.
Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity
Prevention and treatment of childhood obesity focuses on dietary and lifestyle changes. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise are essential for weight control in children, and the Nemours Foundation states that children who see their parents modeling these healthy behaviors are more likely to eat better, become more active and choose healthier snacks and foods over sugary, high-calorie sweets. A gradual reduction in calories, along with family support, is the most effective way to help children lose weight, according to the American Heart Association. Unfortunately, obesity medications are not currently approved for use in children or adolescents due to a risk of impaired growth and development.
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