• Approximately 18.5% of all children aged 2 to 19 in the U.S. were classified as clinically obese in 2016, which increased 4.6% since 2000. 1 • Mississippi and West Virginia have the highest obesity rates, 26.1% and 20.3% respectively while Utah and New Hampshire have the lowest rates, 8.7% and 9.8% respectively. 2 • Childhood obesity is estimated to cost $14 billion annually in direct health expenses alone.2
• The risk of being obese as an adult is more than twice as high for obese children compared to non-obese children.3 • If obesity continues from childhood into adulthood, it can put great strain on the body and lead to a number of health problems including: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Liver problems • Respiratory disorders • Childhood obesity can also cause a range of social problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, failure to develop healthy friendships, and learning difficulties.
• There are four basic types of parenting: • Authoritative - Respects opinions but maintains boundaries • Authoritarian - Strict disciplinarian • Permissive - Indulgent without discipline • Neglectful - Emotionally uninvolved, no rules • Children fare best in many aspects of their life from a loving, warm, firm-yet-flexible approach that is sensitive to their development – i.e., Authoritative parenting. • Only 3.9% of children with authoritative parents were found to be obese by the time they were in first grade, compared to 17.1% of those with authoritarian parents and close to 10% for those with neglectful or permissive parents.4
• A healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) for a child depends on their age and gender, along with their height and weight. BMI is often the tool used to determine if a child is obese.5 • Obesity is also often linked to eating disorders in older children. Be on the lookout for unhealthy eating patterns and frequent snacking. • On the physical side, telltale signs of weight management issues include overexertion during regular activities and exercise, high resting heart rate, and frequent joint or foot pain.
• Of course, the height and weight of a child will change dramatically as their bodies grow. Measuring obesity is difficult because unexpected weight gain may just be a phase. •
Talk with your child's pediatrician if you're concerned about your their weight. They can run tests and help determine if your child is considered obese.
• It's also helpful to monitor your child for changes and to compare notes with other parents to see what's normal and what isn't. There are many online and face-to-face support groups that can help.
• Never aim for weight loss or set specific weight targets. Putting your child on a slimming diet will only strip them of the nutrients they need for their growing bodies. • Instead, focus on a balanced diet filled with healthy foods and snacks. Don’t reward completion of a meal with a sugar-laden dessert, and don’t force a child to eat if they’re not hungry. • Avoid high-sodium and high-sugar snacks, foods, and drinks, and always have healthy alternatives available. Eat as a family as much as possible so you can monitor what is being eaten.
• Promote an active lifestyle by encouraging outside play and sports. • Limit TV, movie, internet, and videogame time to two hours per day. • Make exercise and other activities appealing by engaging in it yourself, and putting objects like skateboards, jump ropes, and bicycles in plain sight. • Encourage social activities with neighbors and school friends, and try to allow your child freedom in pursuing these relationships and their interests.
• Childhood is an important and vulnerable stage in everyone’s life, and every child deserves the best in care. • No matter what difficulties your child is facing, we provide comprehensive, expert and friendly treatment for all ages, as well as guidance on giving your child the best possible future.
Visit us online to learn more about our pediatric doctors at Crystal Run Healthcare and easily book an appointment with many of our physicians’ or contact us if you need additional assistance.
1.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db288.pdf
2.
https://stateofobesity.org/childhood-obesity-trends/
3.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743583710145
4.
https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/771283_transcript
5.
https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm#Set1