Obesity typically is defined as being more than 10 percent over the normal and acceptable weight for a child's age and frame. Doctors at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry report that children usually begin to display signs of obesity around the age of 5 or 6 or when they become teenagers. Children who are obese when they are between the ages of 10 and 13 face an 80 percent chance that they will continue to be overweight as adolescents.
History
Researchers at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry report that obesity in children and adolescents is a growing problem and has been increasing since the year 2000. As many as 33 percent of American children are considered obese. Trends affecting the high rate of obesity include poor diet and lack of exercise. As the rate of obesity continues to climb in youngsters, the condition progresses to affect more and more adults. Obese teens tend to become overweight adults.
Causes
There are a number of factors that play into the obesity epidemic, ranging from social and cultural to genetic and behavioral. Obesity occurs when a child consumes more calories than he uses. Risks for children becoming obese increase by 50 percent when one parent is overweight, and as much as 80 percent when both parents are obese, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Poor eating habits and entrainment options that lack physical activity are the main culprits in childhood obesity.
Effects
Obesity leads to low self-esteem and depression in many cases. Children often are made fun of and not accepted by their peers when they are overweight. Other emotional issues can develop, including addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety. Physically, children begin to suffer from complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and difficulty sleeping. Children and teens who are obese face a greater risk of developing heart disease, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Considerations
Parents can help overweight children learn to make better choices. Doctors at the University of Michigan Health System say that parents have a responsibility to control the food intake and activities of their children. Parents also should become role models and set a good example of how to eat right and exercise regularly. Limit television and video game time. Teach children how to interpret images and messages they receive from television and online that often portray thin people eating and drinking high-calorie products.
Potential
Because obesity usually is a family problem, everyone in the family has the potential to become healthier when children are put on a diet. Reducing the number of calories each day and increasing physical activity can benefit everyone in the family. Snacks in the house should be limited to healthier options and meal planning should take into consideration portion sizes as well as content.
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