What is Childhood Obesity?• Excess percentage of body weight due to fat.

• Body Mass Index (BMI) - calculated from a child’s weight and height.

• Serious medical condition!

• Childhood obesity leads to health problems once limited to adults (diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol).

Definitions:• Obesity: Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or

higher.

• Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of an adult’s weight in relation to his or her height, specifically the adult’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of his or her height in meters.

Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults

Between 1985 and 2010

National Health Epidemic

• 1 in 3 children/teens in U.S. are overweight/obese.

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate 1 in 3 young people born in the year 2000 will develop Type 2 Diabetes.

• Current generation of kids might be first in U.S. history to live shorter lives than their parents.

What Factors Contribute to Obesity?

DIETHigh-calorie foods/beverages are high in sugar.

Fast foods Baked goods Vending machine snacks Soft drinks Candy & desserts

Obesity Factors cont.

INACTIVITY Sedentary kids gain weight because they don’t

burn calories through physical activity.

Watching television Surfing on the Internet Playing video games Cell phone usage

Obesity Factors cont.

GENETICSChildren in overweight families are predisposedfor excess weight, especially if high-calorie foodsare available and physical activity isn’t encouraged.

PSYCHOLOGICALSome children overeat to cope with problems or deal with emotions like stress.

Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC.

2000

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS, 1990, 2000, 2010

(*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5’4” person)

2010

1990

No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

SocioEcological Web and Childhood Obesity

Individual

Interpersonal Factors

Institutional Factors

Community Factors

Public Policy Factors

Restaurants

Dynamic links

School

School foods

Supermarkets

PA opportunities

Families

FDA-labels

advertising

Obesity Can Lower Children's IQ

• Obese children, as well as kids with metabolic syndrome are more likely to be behind their normal-weight peers in spelling, mental flexibility, arithmetic and overall cognitive scores,

Metabolic syndrome• Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health

conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), elevated blood glucose levels, central obesity (too much fat around the waist), abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is seen as a prelude to diabetes type 2.

Previous studies had demonstrated a link between metabolic syndrome in adults and cognitive deficits. This study has now shown that metabolic syndrome in teenagers is associated with even more extensive cognitive problems.

TV Habits Predict Kids' Waist Size and Sporting Ability

• Each hour of TV watched by a two- to four-year- old contributes to his or her waist circumference by the end of grade 4 and his or her ability to perform in sports– according to a world-first study

undertaken by researchers at the University of Montreal

Calories 110Fat 2 gSugar 1 gFiber 3 g

Calories 110Fat 1 gSugar 6 gFiber 3 g

Calories 120Fat 1 gSugar 14 gFiber 0 g

Are Cocoa Puffs really part of a

healthy breakfast?

Potential Health Risks with Obesity

Glucose intoleranceInsulin resistanceType 2 DiabetesHypertension (HBP)High cholesterolHepatic steatosis (FLD)Cholelithiasis (gallstones)Sleep apneaAsthmaSkin conditionsMenstrual abnormalities

Impaired balanceOrthopedic problems Low self-esteemNegative body imageDepressionSocial stigmaTeasing & BullyingDiscrimination

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!

Schedule yearly well-child visits.Set a good example with eating habits.Avoid food-related power struggles with

your child. Emphasize the positive - encourage a

healthy lifestyle.

Be Proactive!

Treatment for Obese Children Changes in diet and increased physical activity.

Sometimes medications or weight-loss surgery.

Children under seven, (with no other health concerns), may need weight maintenance vs. weight loss.

Children over seven (or for younger children with health problems) need weight loss.

Methods for Weight Management HEALTHY EATING

Small changes can yield big results.

• Buy fruits/vegetables vs. convenience foods high in sugar/fat. Keep healthy snacks available.

• Never use food as a reward or punishment.

• Limit sweetened drinks and those with fruit juice.

• Discourage eating in front of TV or computer.

• Limit meals at fast-food restaurants!

Weight Management cont.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Physical Activity burns calories and builds bones and muscles.

Limit recreational screen time to less than 2 hours/day. Emphasize physical activities, not exercise. Find activities your child likes. If you want an active child, be active yourself. Vary the activities.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics - aap.org

Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.com

American Heart Association - americanheart.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - cdc.gov