Childhood Obesity

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat. It is present when total body weight is more than 25% fat in boys and more than 32% in girls (Lohman 1987). The term “Childhood obesity” often refers to both children (ages 6-11) and adolescents (ages 12-17) unless a specific age group is identified. Although childhood obesity is defined as a weight-for-height in excess of 120 percent of ideal weight, skin fold measures are often more accurate.

Childhood Obesity is a risk factor in the following medical conditions:

• Pediatric hypertension
• Coronary heart disease
• Type II Diabetes Mellitus (It is important to note that for every three new cases of Diabetes in adolescents there is one diagnosed as Type II Diabetes Mellitus, most often considered to be adult onset diabetes). This condition often leads to the development of kidney disease, stroke, limb amputation, and blindness. People who develop diabetes in adolescence face a diminished quality of life and shortened life span, particularly if the disease progresses untreated.
• Social and Psychological Problems (lower self esteem, poor interaction with peers, and bullying are significant consequences of obesity in children).

The multiple causes of Childhood Obesity center around calories obtained from food and calories expanded in the basal metabolic rate and physical activity. Several determinants play a role in the overall cause: Nutritional, Psychological, Family, and Physiological. Examples are:

• Parents
• Poor eating habits
• Fast food/junk food
• Heredity
• Lack of PE programs/recess in schools
• School nutrition
• Sedentary activities (Video games, TV, and computer)
• Unsafe neighborhoods
• Socio economic status
• Physically inactive lifestyle

What Can Parents Do

Going on the Offensive against Childhood Obesity

1. Set limits on the time children engage in passive time. Pediatricians recommend restricting children to one to two hours per day of TV and computers combined - though older children may need additional time for homework.
   
2. Parents should also encourage local schools to maintain their physical education programs. Afterschool extra-curricular activities and sports are also vital.
   
3. Curtail visits to fast-food restaurants. Select food and drink choices wisely.
   
4. Provide nutritious, well-balanced, low-calorie and low-fat meals.
   
5. Limit the availability of high-fat and high-sugar snacks in your home.
   
6. Create an Active Environment:
   
   • Make time for the entire family to participate in regular, enjoyable physical activities
   • Start an active neighborhood program
   • Plan active family outings
     
7. Create a Healthy Eating Environment:
   
   • Implement the same healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables and grains) for your entire family, not just for select individuals.
   • Plan times when you prepare foods together. Children enjoy participating and can learn about healthy cooking and food preparation from their parents and extended family.
   • Eat meals together (at the dinner table) at regular times.
   • Avoid foods that are high in calories, fat or sugar.
   • Have snack foods available that are low-calorie and nutritious.
   • Avoid forcing your child to eat if he/she is not hungry. If your child shows atypical signs of not eating, consult a healthcare professional.
   • Limit the frequency of fast-food eating to no more than once per week.
   • Avoid using food as a reward or the lack of food as punishment.

Schools' Role in Creating Healthy Eating Environments
Outside of the home, children and adolescents spend the majority of their time in school. So, it makes sense that schools provide an environment that promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity habits.

The USDA and a coalition of five medical associations have developed ten keys to assist each school community in writing a prescription for change. Visit the Team Nutrition website produced by the USDA for more information. The CDC's Healthy Youth website also contains many resources pertaining to school nutrition.

Creating an Active Environment in Schools

The CDC's Healthy Youth website contains several resources that can be used to promote physical activity in schools.