Our new epidemic: Overweight Children and Teens
In this country, and similarly in Alaska, nearly 45 percent of children age 6 to 19 are either overweight or obese. Since 1999, the number of obese and overweight kids has more than doubled. Studies show that excess weight in childhood is the biggest indicator of obesity in adults. We all know that a number of adverse health effects occur as a direct result of being an overweight adult. However, you may not know that we are now seeing many of the same symptoms of disease in overweight children as well.
Among the weight-related problems being seen with increased frequency in children are: asthma and breathing problems including sleep apnea, Diabetes Type 2 (normally the old age type of diabetes), high blood pressure, orthopedic problems, and mental health problems including low self-esteem and depression due to hurtful comments from family and peers, as well as from the social discrimination experienced by all overweight individuals.
The Surgeon General of the United States has labeled this problem an epidemic, and many groups are trying to get a handle on why this is happening. Generally, weight problems in children and adolescents occur as the result of a lack of physical activity and/or unhealthy eating patterns, as well as genetics and lifestyle of their families. Our society is too sedentary. Add to that the explosion of televisions, computers and video games that grab our children's attention, and keep them away from exercise, and you have one of the major reasons that overweight happens.
If you suspect that your child may be over their ideal weight you should visit your healthcare provider for a thorough checkup and to check the child's BMI (body mass index), the most accurate indicator of overweight. They can also help rule out other medical causes for an unhealthy weight, sometimes using lab tests as needed.
If you wanted to safely implement a few weight loss suggestions that could have an immediate effect on your child, these are the top two recommendations from pediatric and nutrition experts. 1) Get your kids MOVING! Step them away from the screens, all of them. Limit TV, computer and game time each day to no more than 2 hours a day. Do it gradually and use timers as reminders. Have them earn screen time with time spent exercising. Set and enforce reasonable goals. 2) Stop the POP! Wean your children off soda pops, sweet juice drinks and sugary exercise drinks. They are all liquid sugar, and they add pounds of weight each year.
While you are concerned about your child, try not to focus on their weight. These children need your support, acceptance and encouragement as they already feel different. A healthier approach would be to gradually change your whole family's physical activity and eating habits. There are many books and Web sites devoted to helping us all fight this preventable epidemic.
Cynthia A. Ebelacker, ANP
Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
(Retired USAF)