An estimated one-third of children are considered obese, a medical condition that is easy to recognize and treat. Unhealthy weight gain is responsible for a variety of diseases and deaths in the United States.
Significance
Children and teens who are overweight face a plethora of medical and emotional issues, ranging from an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes to teasing and low self-esteem. Obesity causes sleep problems that affect learning and moods. Breathing difficulties interrupt sleep patterns and make it difficult for children to participate in sports. In addition to low self-esteem, children and teenagers who are overweight face a series of emotional obstacles that often result in depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse.
Causes
The main two causes of obesity in children and teenagers are poor diet and lack of exercise. While genetic and cultural influences play a role in how a child gains weight, the simple fact is that if children take in more calories than they burn on a regular basis, obesity will result. Children with one overweight parent have a 50-percent chance of being obese themselves. The statistic rises to 80 percent if both parents are overweight, report doctors at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Medical Conditions
About one percent of childhood obesity is related to medical problems, such as damage to the endocrine system, as is the case in hypothyroidism. Fewer children are affected by neurological conditions that cause weight gain. Some medications, such as steroids or psychiatric medications, can cause obesity as well. Children should be checked for these ailments when diet and exercise do not lead to weight loss.
Prevention/Solution
The first step in making dietary changes is to get children motivated to change. Often parents can serve as role models and provide lifestyle adjustments that children can follow. Meal planning is an important ingredient in weight loss, and children should be taught about proper portion control. Snacking should be limited, and children should be encouraged to make healthier food choices at school and when they are out.
Considerations
If obesity is not addressed in childhood, overweight children are at a greater risk of becoming overweight adults, report doctors at the University of Michigan Health System. Health risks associated with obesity over time can worsen and lead to conditions such as gout, gall bladder and reproductive problems, liver disease and even some kinds of cancer.
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