CHILDHOOD
OBESITY THE FACTS. THE FIGURES. THE TIPS.
chew on this. With the increase of high-tech video games, entertaining television and hundreds of tempting snacks, American society has become ‘obesogenic,’ characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non-healthful foods and physical inactivity.
1/3 of children
fast food consumption increased 5x more than in 1970
16%
EAT FAST FOOD
EVERYDAY
over 9 million children in the United States are
OVERWEIGHT or OBESE
60% of obese kids ages 5 to 10 had at least one disease risk factors
overweight children have a 70% chance of being obese adults. 80% if their parents are overweight or obese.
In 2008 only ONE state had a prevalence less than 20%
: BOYS & GIRLS
HIGHEST PREVALENCE HISPANICS
AFRICAN AMERICANS
growing up and growing out. Gaining weight as a child grows older is normal and an expected part of growing up. When a child puts on more pounds than needed to support development and growth, they can often be categorized as medically obese. Along with the title of obese comes a variety of health problems and potential risks often leading one down an unhealthy life path. A child that is considered to be medically obese is one that is well above the average weight for his or her age and height. In order to determine if a child is considered to be obese, one must calculate the body mass index (BMI) of an individual. Factoring in age, height and weight, the body fat of one is broken down into percentiles and categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. Equation BMI= mass (lb) x 703 (height (in))2
Underweight—less than 15 to 18.4 Normal—from 18.5 to 22.9 Overweight—from 23 to 27.5 Obese—from 27.6 to greater than 40
super size. With the increase of junk food and high-tech video games and electronics comes the decrease of proper nutrition and activity. With the different factors of childhood obesity interacting with one another, it is hard to actually determine the direct cause of the condition but the various behaviors of an individual can easily be identified as contributing to obesity.
causes.
1 2 3 4
Physical Activity Although the newest video games and television shows might activate a child’s mind in some form, the truth is that the activities most often lack the physical component. The average child, ages 8-18, spends over three hours a day with some form of media. Physical activity plays a major role on not only a child’s body weight but their overall health as well. Energy Intake What child does not love a Happy Meal consisting of their favorite chicken nuggets, french-fries and sugary soda? The not so happy fact of the matter is that with larger portion sizes, unhealthy preparation of fast food meals and frequent junk food snacking, the average child is faces a variety of contributing factors in excess and unnecessary energy intake. Environmental Factors A child’s home, school and community all can have a major influence on one’s nutrition and physical activity. At home, if a parent is setting a poor example on healthy eating habits, it is most likely going to effect a child’s decisions on food. With children, ages 5-17 enrolled in schools, the physical education and various activities available to students is vitally important to the development of a child’s healthy lifestyle and weight. Genetics Through out the years, studies indicate that some genetic characteristics may increase the possibility of one becoming obese as a child and into adulthood. The genetic factor being the one and only reason one is considered obese is rare. When environmental and behavioral factors of and individual are considered, the genetic aspect of obesity cannot solely be attributed to the recent obesity epidemic.
cookies, candies and high cholesterol. Along with childhood obesity comes a plethora of associated health problems. Each and every one takes a tool on a child’s overall health that can sometimes be carried over into and through adulthood. Psychological Along with the many physical health risks associated with obesity come risks of possible damage to a child’s psychological wellbeing. Often times children that are overweight or obese face the ridicule and social discrimination from their fellow peers. The stress of the social unacceptance can cause low self-esteem or depression that can often be carried into adulthood. Cardio Vascular Health Almost 60% of medically obese children have been found to have at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor including high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and abnormal glucose tolerance. With the heart being a vital organ to the human body, it is important to start a child on the right path of cardiovascular health early in life. Asthma Recent studies have identified an association with childhood obesity to the lung disease asthma in which it makes it difficult for one to breathe normally. Often the airways become blocked or narrowed and can be reversed when treated with medication, such as an inhaler, right away. Asthma attacks can make it difficult for one to participate in athletic events or stressful situations in which an attack can be triggered.
Sleep Apnea Affecting about 7% of obese children, the sleep associated breathing disorder, sleep apnea, causes one to cease breathing for at least ten seconds when the soft tissue of the throat collapses. Symptoms usually include loud snoring, labored breathing and lowered blood oxygen levels. Type 2 Diabetes Within recent years there have been links to childhood obesity and the development of Type 2 diabetes. Common among obese adults, the disorder is characterized by high blood glucose along with insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Although the condition is treatable, it can lead to further complications such as Cardio Vascular Disorder and kidney failure. Hepatic Steatosis Hepatic Steatosis, also known as Fatty Liver Disease, is the accumulation of liver enzymes concentrated around the organ that eventually causes degeneration. The disease is often associated with obese people and can be reversed with the reduction of body weight.
yum. To help your child maintain a healthy weight, it is important to provide a healthy diet, outlet for physical activity and moral support. The goal for an overweight or obese child should be to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development. Weight loss plans should never be drastic, should be considered an overall health improvement plan and should always be discussed with your child’s health provider. Eating foods that provide adequate nutrition with an appropriate number of calories is important to a child’s overall food intake throughout a normal day. Helping children learn healthy eating habits by educating and setting a good example yourself can make a great difference as the child grows into the age where they make food choices on their own.
get moving. Along with balancing calories, engaging in a healthy level of physical activity helps a child maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones, decrease blood pressure, reduce stress and even increase their self-esteem. Children should participate in at least sixty minutes of moderate intensity of physical activity daily. Ask your child to accompany you on a walk, a bike ride or sign them up to participate in a peer activity such as soccer or swimming. An activity that they consider fun can be something that helps with their overall health and well-being! In addition to encouraging physical activity, it is important to limit the amount of sedentary time a child has within each day. Spending time in front of the television or computer counts as a sedentary activity and should be limited to no more than two hours per day. Aside from the time a child spends on homework and reading quite time, encourage your child to get up and get out to do something fun that engages in physical activity.
1
Always think
LOW FAT. Buy low fat or skim milk, cheese and other dairy products.
3
QUICK TIPS
2
Choose healthy
SUBSTITUTIONS
like lean ground turkey instead of high fat ground beef.
Push for those VEGGIES take the edge off hunger before meals provide a healthy snack like vegetables and low fat dip.
5 7
SHOP ALONE.
4 6
SERVE MEALS
that are 50% fruits and vegetables along with smaller portions of protein.
It will be easier to make healthier choices when your child is not persuading you to buy junk foods.
MAKE IT FUN and let the kids
Pack lunch
WISELY.
When packing your child’s lunch, include fresh fruits and vegetables.
help with making healthy recipes for dinner! Cooking can help with learning about nutrition.
SHOPPING LIST GRAB THESE Fruits Apples, Oranges, Bananas, Kiwi, Grapes, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Peaches Vegetables Carrots, Green Beans, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Celery, Squash, Zucchini Whole Grains Bread, Pasta, Cereal Lean Meats Turkey, Poultry, Fish Beans & Nuts Almonds, Black Beans, Peanut or other Nut Butters Dairy Products Low Fat Yogurt, Skim Milk, Eggs
DITCH THOSE Sugary Drinks Sodas, Juices, Sports Drinks Easy Frozen Foods Pizzas, Microwave Meals Fried Foods French Fries, Chicken Nuggets Processed Meats Hot Dogs, Packaged Lunch Meat High Sodium Products Chips, Canned Pasta and Soup High Calorie Sweets Ice Cream, Cookies, Candies, Packaged Sweet Treats
change.
With the first lady, Michelle Obama, launching an initiative to fight childhood obesity, in which she states that the epidemic is “one of the greatest threats to America’s health and economy”, the resources available to parents and communities are becoming more available and easier to access. The first lady acknowledges that childhood obesity is a tough problem but states that “we have everything we need” to combat it.
fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov The Center for Disease Control and Prevention sponsored website provides interactive tools, tips and information on a huge selection or fruits and vegetables. The site also shows a monthly fruit or vegetable, helpful recipes and budget tips for parents. mypyramid.gov The United States Department of Agriculture provides a tailored look into the food pyramid and includes a detailed menu planner for mothers and children as well as a food encyclopedia and food tracker. www.nhlbi.nih.gov This national education program, We Can!, provided by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute is designed to help parents keep children at a healthy weight through practical tips and tools.
Sources “Childhood Obesity.” Mayo Clinic. 28 March 2008. Mayo Clinic, Web. 2 Feb 2010. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698>. “Healthy Youth! Childhood Obesity.” National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 04 February 2010. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Web. 28 Feb 2010. <http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/>.