In a world where advertisements for fatty, sugar-laden foods are everywhere and the most popular kids' activities often involve sitting in front of a screen, helping your children maintain an appropriate weight is no easy task. But because being overweight and obese can create so many problems for young bodies, parents must make it a priority in order to ensure the health of their children.
Definition
Doctors consider a child obese if the child's body weight exceeds by 10
percent the standard recommendation for the child's age, sex, height and
body type, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry. The most common times for obesity to begin in juveniles are ages
five to six, and adolescence. Of all children and adolescents in the United States,
the academy says, between 16 percent and 33 percent are obese.
Causes
Most cases of obesity are, at their roots, cases of eating too much and not getting enough exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fast food, sodas, video games and television are habits that contribute. Genetics also play a role. According to the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, a child with one obese parent has a 50 percent chance of becoming obese. If both parents are obese, that number rises to 80 percent. A few cases of childhood obesity--about 1 percent--stem from medical disorders such as hormonal problems.
Risks
Childhood obesity can lead to a host of ills. Overweight children, according to the Mayo Clinic, are more likely to develop such conditions as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and liver problems--problems that can, along with the obesity itself, continue into adulthood. Obese children are also at risk of being bullied and having low self-esteem.
Treatment
Treatment for obesity begins with an evaluation by a pediatrician to see whether the condition has a medical cause, according to the Mayo Clinic. If no such cause is found, then the focus is generally on decreasing caloric intake and increasing physical activity. Typically, for children under age 7, the plan entails trying to maintain, not lose, weight as the child grows taller. For older children, losing pounds is the goal. A physician or nutritionist can help design a plan that will limit junk food and encourage activities such as jumping rope, nature hikes and swimming.
Expert Insight
Childhood obesity could result in a major demographic shift for the United States, according to former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona. "Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity," he said, "we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents."
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