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Kids' Health
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Childhood obesity is an alarming problem in the U.S. Over the last 45 years, the rate has tripled. Today, roughly one-third of children in the U.S. are obese or at risk for the disease. The increase in childhood obesity is mostly due to the fact that children are eating more calories, exercising less, and spending too much time sitting in front of a screen, be it a computer, video game, or television. One way to determine if a child is obese is the body-mass index, or BMI, which takes into account height and weight. When a child’s BMI is compared to those of children the same age and gender, a value above the 95th percentile indicates obesity. To determine your child’s BMI, talk to your child’s doctor or use the online calculator at www.kidshealth.org. Several factors increase children’s risk for obesity. Studies show that children who watch more than four hours of television a day are more likely to be overweight than children who watch less than two hours daily. Having a television in the bedroom also increases the risk. A child is more likely to be obese if one or both of the parents are obese. In the U.S., obesity is seen in higher rates among Latinos, Native Americans, and African-Americans. Obesity can have detrimental effects on children’s health. Overweight children experience problems such as joint pain, skin rashes, eating and sleeping disorders, depression, and poor self-esteem. They are also at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol during childhood. Remaining obese into adulthood increases the risk of heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, liver and gall bladder disease, high cholesterol and certain types of cancers later on in life. If you think your child is overweight, take him to the doctor. Very rarely, the problem is related to underlying conditions such as thyroid disease, hormone imbalances, genetic disorders, or medications. Testing can be done to rule these out, and to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The doctor will make recommendations for modifying diet and exercise, and may refer you and your child to a registered dietitian, or to a weight management program. Helping your child lose weight is not always easy. Keep in mind that efforts are more successful when small but permanent changes are made that involve the whole family, not just the overweight child. Weight-loss medications have not been approved for use by children by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. Weight-loss surgeries are not generally recommended for children, either. Simple steps can help your child maintain a healthy weight. Do not force your child to finish an entire meal. Avoid buying junk food or foods high in fat and sugar. Avoid giving your child sweets as a reward or comfort. Eat fast food less than once a week. Limit soft drinks, and encourage drinking plenty of water. Get the whole family involved in physical activities such as walks and outdoor games. Limit video game playing and television watching. Encourage your child to join a sports team. Above all, set a good example for your child by making healthy meals and regular exercise part of the household routine. Remember, your example shapes your child. And there is one more very important step to remember don’t forget to tell your child how much you love him or her, regardless of weight. Dr. Richelle K. Marracino is a family practice physician at the UC Riverside Campus Health Center. Information: 951.827.3031. • Do not force your child to finish an entire meal. • Avoid buying junk food or foods high in fat and sugar. • Avoid giving your child sweets as a reward or comfort. • Get the whole family involved in physical activities such as walks and outdoor games. OBESITY RESOURCES American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) www.aap.org American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org Kids Health www.kidshealth.org |
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