Overweight_and_Obese_Children

Overweight and Obese Children There are often many factors that play a part in creating and overweight or obese child. Some of these factors are genetic, socially environmental and behavioral. Overweight and obesity is caused by an imbalance between the calories consumed and the calories that are used to support a normal developing child, metabolism and physical activity. Obesity is not determined by weight alone, but rather by Body Mass Index (BMI), which takes into account weight and height. Parents are not always likely to take preventative measures if their perception of their child’s weight is not correct. It is not usual that one particular factor is the cause of being overweight or obese. The different factors are usually combined with each other. Socially environmental factors can contain many areas both inside and outside the home. School districts are constantly creating programs that provide nutritional value yet physical education classes and physical activity are being cut from school programs. School districts are also allowing middle school and high school students the option to purchase carbonated beverages, ice creams and fast food. The over developed environment of communities limit access to physical activity and healthy food. Parents are role models for their children. The child’s behavior will often mimic that of the parents. Children are watching more television and playing video games rather than exercising. Their physical activity is far less than their caloric intake. There is no one with more influence over a child than a parent. Parents determine the foundation for childhood weight problems Overweight and obesity are profound health concerns for children and adolescents. Information from two NHANES survey’s completed in 1976-1980 and 2003-2004 show the prevalence of overweight is increasing for children 2-5 years by 8.9%, 6-11 years by 12.3%, 12-19 years by 12.4% (JAMA). Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk for health problems as children and adults. The diseases are often long-term and unless drastic changes are made in their diet they are very seldom cured. Some of the more common diseases are high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Obese children often become obese adults. A study suggests that approximately 80% of children overweight at ages 10-15 were obese adults by the age of 25. A separate study suggests that if a child is overweight by age 8, obesity as an adult is more severe (CDC). Obesity in children could be difficult to treat. Prevention when done correctly begins early in life. Early prevention is the key to reduce the growing trends in obesity prevalence. Taking a whole-family approach, it’s the old “practice what you preach”. Get your children involved in meal preparations and grocery trips to learn how to make good choices. Don’t use food for good or bad rewards to alter behavior. It’s not always good for a child to clean their plate. They should only eat when they are hungry. Don’t completely eliminate sweets or snacks from their regular diet. Teach them to eat unhealthier foods in moderation. Parents should keep their kids active through school sports or around the yard. Discourage fast foods whenever possible. Cut down on computer, TV and game time. Encourage increased consumption of fruits and vegetables every day. Many socially environmental risk factors expose children to being overweight. These factors could be your child’s school or it could be at your home. The high consumption of calories and decreased physical activity will almost always lead to obesity. We as parents need to be better role models and teach our children to make healthy choices. Parents need to teach early diet and activity patterns to prevent being overweight. Eat well and exercise regularly to create healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle that will last. It will soon become second nature.