Childhood Obesity

A Guide to Understanding Childhood Obesity for Parents of school age children.

Kevin Hillard

America is becoming more overweight. Childhood obesity is becoming a major

health epidemic.

Childhood Obesity

Excessive accumulation of body fat. Natural energy reserve stored in fatty tissue

exceeds healthy limits. Body fat usually means body weight.

Definition of Childhood Obesity

Calculated using body weight height². BMI Classifications:• BMI Below 18.5 Underweight• BMI 18.5-24.9 Normal• BMI 25-29.9 Overweight• BMI 30 and up Obese

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI Chart

Since 1970, the % of overweight children in the USA has doubled.

Today:• 10% of 2 to 5 year olds are overweight.• 15% of 6 to 19 year olds are overweight.• 33% of children are at risk of becoming

overweight.

Background Information About Childhood Obesity

Prevalence rate of overweight children is increasing.

2 to 5 year olds have a 14% rate. 6 to 11 years old have a 19% rate. 12 to 19 years old have a 17% rate.

Prevalence of Overweight Children

Diet Insufficient physical activity Watching television Sitting on the computer Genetics

Reasons For Childhood Obesity

Thousands feast on junk food & soda daily. Eat ice cream, potato chips, and chocolate

as their breakfast. 33% of children start off their morning with

soft/energy drinks. Over half of children skip breakfast daily.• Skipping breakfast • Overeating later in

day • Weight Gain

Food Choices

Sodium is major cause of childhood obesity. Cutting back on salt = great way to cut

calories. Salty snacks lead to calorie filled sodas. 80% of salt comes from processed food. Fast food is filled with sodium.

A Hidden Cause of Childhood Obesity

Many often suffer from Depression and Anxiety.

• Bullied at school• Made fun of at school• Low self-esteem

Affects Childhood Obesity

Obese children are likely to:• Smoke cigarettes• Drink alcohol• Be inactive

• Low Self-Esteem contributes to all of these unhealthy habits.

Habits Associated with Childhood Obesity

Obese children are at risk for:• High blood pressure• High Cholesterol • Abnormal Blood Lipid Levels• Type II Diabetes• Low Bone Density• Liver and gall bladder issues• Irregular menstrual cycles in females

Health Problems and Diseases

Overweight children can acquire high cholesterol.

In Summary:• High Density Lipoproteins (“Good

Cholesterol”) good for a child’s diet• Low Density Lipoproteins (“Bad

Cholesterol”) not good for a child’s

High Cholesterol & Abnormal Blood Lipid Levels

Extremely common disease in young people.

• Was most common in adults.• Type II Diabetes is known as the “disease of

this generation”.

Type II Diabetes

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes

Being overweight causes bone & joint problems.

Inactivity contributes to these problems. Lack of stress on bones = decrease in bone

density. Increase stress through exercise.

Low Bone Density

Obese children should receive bone density tests.

Bone Density Tests are scored and classified as such:

Bone Density Test

Schools must provide healthy food & drinks. Parents must pack healthy lunches &

snacks. Avoid soda and other sugary drinks. Avoid trans fats. Make simple diet changes (wheat > white

bread) USE THE FOOD PYRAMID!!!

Childhood Obesity Prevention

The New and Improved Food Pyramid:

Food Pyramid (New)

Exercise is a new addition to the food pyramid

Mandatory Physical Education classes.• Fight for more weight training &

cardiovascular exercise in PE.• Encourage children to join health clubs.• Exercise with your kids.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Ctd.

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic! No short-term cure for childhood obesity! Fighting this disease requires long-term

commitment! Commitment to good nutrition and physical

activity!

Conclusion

Just keep running, it benefits your

health!

As a future Health and Physical Education teacher, my goal is to devote my life to helping children live a healthy lifestyle and continue the fight against childhood obesity. I hope all of you help me in this fight!

Thank you for your time!

My Personal Statement to You