Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. Childhood obesity affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. This number has more than tripled since 1980.

Childhood obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and other co-morbid conditions associated with obesity and morbid obesity.

A child is defined as “overweight” if their weight-to-age percentile is greater than 95 percent. A child is defined as “at risk for overweight” if their weight-to-age percentile is greater than 85 percent and less than 95 percent.

Weight categories for children and teens are defined so that they take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages. Children’s weight categories are determined by measuring a child’s height and weight and then plotting them on a weight-to-age chart. There are separate weight-to-age curves for males and females, ages two to 20 years.

The most common measurement tool to indicate obesity in adults is the body mass index (BMI). BMI is also recommended to measure obesity in children and adolescents. The Centers for Disease Control categorize BMI in children differently than in adults.

BMI ranges for children and teens are defined so that they take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages. For more information about BMI for children and adolescents, please visit www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-for-age.htm.

Plotting Your Child’s Weight-to-Age Percentile
To plot your child’s weight-to-age percentile, find the age of your child on the bottom of the appropriate chart and look to the right or left to locate their body weight. Once you locate their weight and age, plot the point on the graph using a pen or pencil. Once you have plotted the measurement, please view the weight-to-age percentile chart to view your child’s percentile.

Please click here to view the boys weight-to-age chart.

Please click here to view the girls weight-to-age chart.

Children who are considered obese are 70 percent more likely to continue being obese into adulthood. In addition, they are at greater risk for serious medical issues such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and cancer.

Aside from the clinical perspective, children who are obese face social discrimination, leading to low self-esteem and depression.

Although the causes of childhood obesity are widespread, certain factors are targeted as major contributors to this epidemic. Causes associated with childhood obesity include:

• Environment

• Lack of physical activity

• Heredity and Family

• Dietary Patterns

• Socioeconomic status

Environment

Today’s environment plays a major role in shaping the habits and perceptions of children and adolescents. The prevalence of television commercials promoting unhealthy foods and eating habits is a large contributor. In addition, children are surrounded by environmental influences that demote the importance of physical activity.

Today, it is estimated that approximately 40 to 50 percent of every dollar that is spent on food is spent on food outside the home in restaurants, cafeterias, sporting events, etc. In addition, as portion sizes have increased, when people eat out they tend to eat a larger quantity of food (calories) than when they eat at home.

Beverages such as soda and juice boxes also greatly contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic. It is not uncommon for a 32 ounce soda to be marketed toward children, which contains approximately 400 calories. The consumption of soda by children has increased throughout the last 20 years by 300 percent. Scientific studies have documented a 60 percent increase risk of obesity for every regular soda consumed per day. Box drinks, juice, fruit drinks and sports drinks present another significant problem. These beverages contain a significant amount of calories and it is estimated that 20 percent of children who are currently overweight are overweight due to excessive caloric intake from beverages.

Lack of Physical Activity

Children in today’s society show a decrease in overall physical activity. The growing use of computers, increased time watching television and decreased physical education in schools, all contribute to children and adolescents living a more sedentary lifestyle.

Another major factor contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic is the increased sedentary lifestyle of children. School-aged children spend most of their day in school where their only activity comes during recess or physical education classes. In the past, physical education was required on a daily basis. Currently, only 8 percent of elementary schools and less than 7 percent of middle schools and high schools have daily physical education requirements in the U.S.

Heredity and Family

Science shows that genetics play a role in obesity. It has been proven that children with obese parents are more likely to be obese. Estimates say that heredity contributes between 5 to 25 percent of the risk for obesity.

However, genes alone do not always dictate whether a child is overweight or obese. Learned behaviors from parents are a major contributor. Parents, especially of those whose children are at risk for obesity at a young age, should promote healthy food and lifestyle choices early in their development.

Dietary Patterns

Over the past few decades, dietary patterns have changed significantly. The average amount of calories consumed per day by has dramatically increased. Furthermore, the increase in caloric intake has also decreased the nutrients needed for a healthy diet.

Food portions also play an important role in the unhealthy diet patterns that have evolved. The prevalence of “super size” options and “all you can eat” buffets create a trend in overeating. Combined with a lack of physical activity, children are consuming more and burning off less.

Socioeconomic Status

Children and adolescents that come from lower-income homes are at greater risk of being obese. This is a result of several factors that influence behaviors and activities.

Lower-income children cannot always afford to partake in extra curricular activities, resulting in a decrease in physical activity. In addition, families who struggle to pay bills and make a living often opt for convenience foods, which are higher in calories, fat and sugar.

Educational levels also contribute to the socioeconomic issue associated with obesity. Parents with little to no education have not been exposed to information about proper nutrition and healthy food choices. This makes it difficult to instill those important values in their children.

Treating obesity in children and adolescents differs from treatment in adults. Involving the family in a child’s weight management program is a key element to treatment. As a support system, family is integral in ensuring weight management goals are met.

It is important to talk with your physician about options for treating childhood obesity. The various treatments of obesity in children and adolescents include:

• Dietary therapy

• Physical activity

• Behavior modification

• Surgery

Diet Therapy

When treating an obese child or adolescent, it is often recommended that they have a consultation with a nutritionist that specializes in children’s needs. Nutritionists can best help children understand healthy eating habits and how to implement them in their long-term diet.

In some cases, nutritionists do not always recommend restricting caloric intake for children. Education on how to read food labels, cut back on portions, understand the food pyramid and eat smaller bites at a smaller pace is generally the information given to change a child’s eating habits.

Physical Activity

Another form of treatment of obesity in children is increasing physical activity. Physical activity is an important long-term ingredient for children, as studies indicate that inactivity in childhood has been linked to a sedentary adult lifestyle.

Increasing physical activity can decrease, or at least slow the increase, in fatty tissues in obese children. The US Surgeon General recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Individualized programs are available and possible for those children or adolescents that are not able to meet minimum expectations.

Behavior Modification

Lifestyles and behaviors are established at a young age. It is important for parents and children to remain educated and focused on making long-term healthy lifestyle choices.

There are several ways that children and adolescents can modify their behavior for healthier outcomes, such as: changing eating habits, increasing physical activity, becoming educated about the body and how to nourish it appropriately, engaging in a support group or extra curricular activity and setting realistic weight management goals.

Surgery

While surgery has been performed on adolescents to treat obesity, it is only considered for those with severe medical conditions that can be improved by surgery.

For more information on the various types of surgical procedures to treat obesity, please click here.

Exercise and Children
By Arrin Larson, BS, NSCA-CPT, Certified Wellness Coach
Volume 2/Issue 4 - July 2007

Childhood Obesity and Stigma
By Rebecca Puhl, PhD
Volume 2 /Issue 3 - April 2007

The Care and Feeding of Children: Beating Childhood Obesity with Realistic Nutritional Recommendations
By Julie Janeway, Karen Sparks, MBE, and Randal S. Baker, MD, FACS
Volume 2 /Issue 2 - January 2007

"Understanding Childhood Obesity" Brochure

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By Jacqueline Jacques, ND

Understanding the Childhood Obesity Epidemic
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Treating Childhood Obesity
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