When a child’s body mass index registers above the 85th percentile, or his weight exceeds 20 percent over the recommended number for his height, doctors consider him obese. Because childhood obesity often results from a lack of physical activity, disabled children can develop it because of their physical limitations. These children also face more serious health consequences from obesity than non-disabled kids carrying the same amount of extra weight.
Causes
In addition to limitations on physical movement, some disabilities can affect the regions of the brain that regulate weight. Other times, the child’s caregivers contribute to the weight problem by being overprotective. Though well-meaning, sometimes a parent or other caregiver underestimates a child’s physical abilities and will keep her sedentary instead of encouraging her to exercise to the fullest of her ability. As the child becomes heavier, the caregivers feel even less sure of her ability to exercise, forming a destructive cycle.
Complications
The complications of obesity can have a strong negative effect on a disabled child because extra weight compounds the issues he already faces by being disabled. Physical complications of obesity include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer and gallbladder disease. Though usually considered problems of older adults, these health issues can begin in childhood when obesity causes high cholesterol or high blood pressure and disability restricts movement. Psychological issues also present a concern when restricted mobility leads to depression, social isolation and damaged self-esteem.
Considerations
Because each disability presents a different set of problems, a one-size-fits-all approach to losing weight doesn’t always help the disabled obese child. The basic concepts of eating healthfully and exercising still apply, but the implementation of these will vary greatly according to the child’s mental, cognitive, physical and developmental abilities. Consult the child’s doctor to get a professional assessment of the amounts and types of exercise he is able to perform. A nutritionist can also offer custom-tailored dietary advice to help him lose weight.
Solutions
Caregivers play an important role in encouraging healthful lifestyle changes, starting by setting a good example through eating healthful foods, projecting a good attitude about fitness and enjoying exercise right along with the disabled child. Limiting the sedentary hours spent in front of the TV, video games or the computer frees up more time for physical activity. Caregivers can also work with teachers and administrators to promote exercise in the child’s school and call their community center to find out about camps or exercise classes specially designed for disabled kids.
