Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. In 2004, a study from the Centers for Disease Control stated that the percent of obese children ages 6 to11 increased 12.3% and children ages 12 to 19 increase by 12.4% from 1980 to 2003 (Akhtar-Danesh, Dehghan, Morrison, & Fonseka, 2011). This increase in childhood obesity is unhealthy, not only for the children, but for the entire United States. It is a vicious cycle; overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults (₂CDC, 2013). This problem has many causes, most of which can be fixed with educating parents and their children about better, healthy options.

Figure 1: Prevelence of  obesity in children 2- 19 years of age in the United States (2009). (Crothers et al., 2009)

There are many causes of childhood obesity, some more obvious than others. The main cause for obesity is the increased food intake and a decrease in physical activity (₁CDC, 2013).  An addition to a decrease in children’s physical activity levels is a rise in children’s sedentary activity, as well as an increase in the consumption of sugars, and a decrease in the consumption of fruits and vegetables (Akhtar-Danesh et al., 2011).

The types of food a child eats can be part of their culture. This can also be a major factor in childhood obesity. African-American and Hispanic children have a greater chance of being obese, especially African-American females and Mexican American males (Crothers, Kehle, Bray & Theodore, 2009). The number of overweight children in these cultures is also growing faster, in comparison to other cultures, though low income families living in urban areas may also play a role in this (Crothers et al., 2009).

A cause that may go unseen by most is the influence of the peers of children (Akhtar-Danesh et al., 2011). Teenagers and their friends eat 19% of the same types of foods, usually snack foods (Akhtar-Danesh et al., 2011). Younger children tend to observe and mimic the actions and behaviors of the people in their life, including eating habits, patterns, and preferences, as well as behaviors toward physical activity. (Akhtar-Danesh et al., 2011). These attitudes and habits held by parents have much more of an impact on children than school interventions (Akhtar-Danesh et al., 2011).

Surprisingly, chemicals in products that we use every day may have an impact on the weight of children, before they are even born. As seen in studies on pregnant rodents, certain types of chemical exposure to the fetus before birth can been linked to childhood obesity (Crothers et al., 2009). A chemical called bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, is found in many plastics and often line baby bottles or cans. This chemical is released when the containers are heated and can seep into the substance inside (Crothers et al., 2009).

Sleep is an important part of a child’s life, but not getting enough sleep can actually lead to a higher chance of being overweight (Crothers et al., 2009). Simply adding an hour of sleep can lower an 8 to 12 year old child’s chances of becoming overweight by 30% to 34% (Crothers et al., 2009).

Eating right and getting the right amount of physical activity now, can save a child’s physical and psychological health in the future.  Current health risks for obese children can cause high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, joint problems, and fatty liver disease (CDC, 2012). These health risks now can lead to more serious health conditions as adults, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer (CDC, 2012). Psychologically, children have low self-esteem because of discrimination (CDC, 2012). A study was conducted, analyzing bulletin board posts, chat room texts, and multiple choice polls  from a website for overweight teens and preteens, used their to reveal weight loss problems held by youth (Pretlow, 2011). Teenagers, many times, made comments on how they hated their body or were often teased about their weight, or even called names (Pretlow, 2011). Obesity affects, not only the body, but the spirits of children as well.

At this very moment, there are many things that can be done about childhood obesity. Bringing farmers markets to a local town, increasing drinking fountains in schools, putting salad bars in the school cafeteria, and getting a community clean parks and playgrounds to use are all wonderful examples of ways to a healthier community and healthier children (₃CDC, 2013). However, combating childhood obesity starts with the parents. The two most important actions that can be taken to hit child obesity head-on are implementing better diets and more exercise (₁CDC, 2013). Personally, parents can limit television or video game time, offer healthy meal options with enough fruits and vegetables, while limiting the amount of sugars and fats in their child’s diet (₃CDC, 2013). Boys aged 9 to13 should be getting between 1,600-2,600 calories a day, contingent on their level of physical activity (The Mayo Clinic, 2012). This diet should include on average, 5.75 ounces of protein, 1.75 cups of fruit, 2.75 cups of vegetables, 7 ounces of grains, and 3 cups of dairy (The Mayo Clinic, 2012). Girls at in this age group need between 1,400 to 2,200 calories per day, with a diet including about 5 ounces of protein, 1.75 cups of fruits, 2.25 cups of vegetables, 6 ounces of grains, and 2.75 cups of dairy (The Mayo Clinic, 2012). Along with a healthy diet, children should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day (CDC, 2011). This could include playing sports, tag, or jump roping.

            With as many health problems that come with childhood obesity, an average increase in obesity of 12.35% in adolescents is too high. Though there are many causes of childhood obesity, there are also strategies to combat this endemic. Beginning these strategies right away will increase the physical and mental health and wellness of obese and overweight children.  These strategies start with parents, and drift out into the community.  Growing adolescents need nutritious food and physical exercise in order to stay healthy.

 

References

 Akhtar-Danesh, N., Dehghan, M., Morrison, K., & Fonseka, S. (2011). Parents' perceptions and attitudes on childhood obesity: A Q-methodology stud. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 23(2), 1-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2010.00584.x

Crothers, L., Kehle, T., Bray, M., & Theodore, L. (2009). Correlates and suspected causes of obesity in children. Psychology in the Schools, 46(8), 787-796. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=30e2573c-62cd-42a8-98ef-eede155e88d1@sessionmgr12&vid=3&hid=22&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ==

Pretlow, R. (2011). Addiction to highly pleasurable food as a cause of the childhood obesity epidemic: A qualitative internet study. Eating Disorders, 19(4), 295-307. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2011.584803

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, November 9). How much physical activity do children need?. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/children.html

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, April 27). Basics about childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/basics.html

₁The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, April 17). A growing problem. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/problem.html

₂The Center for Disease Control and Prevention­­. (2013, August 6). Progress on childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/ChildhoodObesity/

₃The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, February 21). Strategies and solutions. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/solutions.html

The Mayo Clinic. (2012, August 22). Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-for-kids/NU00606