Growing Epidemic
The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the United States skyrocketed. The percentage of children with obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s. Today, about one in five school-aged children (ages 6–19) has obesity. The Center of Disease control and The World Health Organization call childhood obesity one of the most serious public health challenges of our time. Recent studies show that nearly 1/3 children in America are overweight. Childhood Obesity tends to affect more boys more than girls and some minority groups are affected more than whites. Research shows that poor snack choices combined with processed foods, and decreased physical activity are the most common causes of childhood.
Physical and Mental Health Risks
Children and adolescents that are obese will have a significant increased risk of decreased self-esteem and self-imaging issues lead to increased depression, psychological problems, as well as poor quality of life. Young Americans are also at increased risk of High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea. joint problems, liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn).
Economic Implications
Unfortunately, the health risks alone are not the only burden the United States will face. A growing population and combined with an increased obese population could have significant economic repercussions as well. Obesity can prematurely shorten the amount of years a person can work. The Center for Disease control suggests that obesity will cause a significant increase in health care cost for all Americans.Childhood obesity alone is responsible for $14 billion in direct medical costs. Obesity-related medical costs in general are expected to rise significantly, especially because today’s obese children will lead to a lifetime of health complications.
Never Too Late To Get Healthy
Parents can help prevent childhood obesity by providing healthy meals and snacks, daily physical activity, and nutrition education. Healthy meals and snacks provide nutrition for growing bodies while modeling healthy eating behavior and attitudes. Increased physical activity reduces health risks and helps weight management. Nutrition education helps young children develop an awareness of good nutrition and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
Children can be encouraged to adopt healthy eating behaviors and be physically active when parents:
- Focus on good health, not a certain weight goal. Teach and model healthy and positive attitudes toward food and physical activity without emphasizing body weight.
- Focus on the family. Do not set overweight children apart. Involve the whole family and work to gradually change the family’s physical activity and eating habits.
- Establish daily meal and snack times, and eating together as frequently as possible. Make a wide variety of healthful foods available based on the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children. Determine what food is offered and when, and let the child decide whether and how much to eat.
- Plan sensible portions. Use the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children as a guide.
References
Hong, I., Coker-Bolt, P., & Anderson, K. (September/October 2016). Relationship Between Physical Activity and Overweight. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol 70 #5 P1-8.
Villanueva, G., & Alexander Foster, B. (July 2016). Factors Associated with Successful Mentoring of Parents. International Journal of Pediatrics, Vol 2016 P1-7.
Faguy, MA, ELS, K. (January/February 2016). Obesity in Children and the Health Effects of Imaging. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, Volume 87, Number 3 P278-302.