Childhood ObesityProblems, Causes & Solutions

by

ONG against childhood obesity

A Growing Crisis

“In the past three decades, the number of overweight children has more than doubled, with most of the increases occurring during the past ten years.”

I Don’t Want to Grow Up

25% of children who are obese at age 6 will be obese as an adult

75% of children who are obese at age 12 will be obese as an adult

Physical Consequences

Type 2 Diabetes

Orthopedic complications

Hypertension

Social Difficulties

Obese children…– are stereotyped as “unhealthy, academically

unsuccessful & lazy”– may be verbally abused by other children– can become excluded from being a part of social

groups and/or other activities

Psychological Problems

Discrimination can cause a negative self-image and poor self-esteem

Sadness can occur, which can lead to depression

Loneliness Eating disorders

People who are obese or overweight People who are obese or overweight also have a lower life expectancyalso have a lower life expectancy

How to Tell If Your Child is Overweight or Obese

Indicators

Growth Chart– height and weight can be compared and plotted

Skin fold thickness– measured at the triceps with a caliper that pinches the skin

and together and will be higher in obese children

BMI (Body Mass Index)– is best measurement to take because it is age and gender

specific

What is BMI?

BMI is used to identify overweight and obesity in children

BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)² For children, BMI is age and gender specific

and is consistent with adult index, so it can be used continuously from two years of age to adulthood

What are the Causes?

The Family Atmosphere

According to the American Obesity Association, parents are the most important role models for children.

Obesity tends to run in families– Eating patterns play a role

Children of active parents are six times more likely to be physically active than kids whose parents are sedentary

Television & Nutrition

Commercials feature many junk foods that promote weight gain– fast food, soft drinks, sweets and sugar-

sweetened breakfast cereals

Children seem to passively consume excessive amounts of energy-dense foods while watching TV

Pick-up or Delivery?

Today, families eat fewer meals together and fewer meals at home– Children tend to eat more food when meals are

eaten at a restaurant– Plenty of children eat fast food on a regular basis– Take-out food like pizza or chinese is also popular

Simple Solutions

Keys to Preventing Obesity

Teaching healthy behaviors at a young age is important since change becomes more difficult with age

Education in physical activity and nutrition are the cornerstones of preventing childhood obesity

Schools and families are the two most critical links to decreasing the prevalence of childhood obesity

Parent’s role in Prevention

Create an active environment– Limit amount of TV watching– Plan active family trips such as hiking or skiing– Enroll children in a structured activity that they

enjoy– Create a healthy eating environment

Like you win weight, you can lose it …

THE

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