Children's health suffers when they become obese, a condition that may have lifetime consequences. How do you know if your kids have weight problems? A proper height-to-weight ratio for their ages is measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. To get a general idea, enter their heights and weights into the child BMI calculator provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A BMI above the 85th percentile registers as overweight; a BMI above the 95th percentile indicates obesity.
History
If you worry that your child is or may become obese, you're not alone. Between 1974 and 2004, the number of obese children ages 6 to 11 rose 13 percent to an all-time high of 17 percent, the American Heart Association reports. With the trend rising, one in five kids now may be headed toward obesity.
Significance
Risks to children's health from carrying extra pounds include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, an irreversible disease. Low self-esteem and depression may plague obese children. Weight problems that lead to cardiovascular conditions increase children's chances of developing heart disease and some types of cancer as adults. This is why what the CDC calls an epidemic of obese children has implications for a similar wave of health problems in adults.
Causes
The U.S. Surgeon General attributes these higher health risks to inadequate physical activity and nutrition--a debilitating combination. Fewer opportunities for exercise and more time in front of the TV, computer or game screen mean that kids aren't getting enough exercise. Snacks, school lunches or home meals that are high in calories and fat add to blood cholesterol and weight problems.
Misconceptions
Extra "baby fat" beyond age 2 is not a sign of robust children's health. Some people think that because kids have less body mass, it's easier for them to lose weight. In reality, obese children often create habits that lead to permanent weight problems. Don't expect your kids to cut out snacks or early meals on school days to lose weight, however. A 2006 study by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) links eating just before class to increased academic performance on standardized tests and decreased disruptive classroom behavior.
Prevention
The surgeon general recommends one hour of moderate exercise daily to promote growth and maintain children's health and weight. Parents can help by engaging kids in a weekly family activity, such as bicycling or hiking. It also is important for parents to model good nutritional choices. Safeguarding children's health now can create positive habits and prevent a future of chronic disease.
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