Obesity In Children – Weight Loss Diet Solutions

Childhood obesity rates are now at alarmingly high levels, with almost one out of five children and adolescents being obese. This health concern does not bode well for society today, as scientists believe that the current generation of children may be the first to have a lifespan shorter than that of their parents. High blood pressure, breathing problems, and type 2 diabetes are just a few of the negative effects of childhood obesity.

How is Obesity in Children Measured?

Body mass index is the best method to determine if an individual is obese or overweight. In children, BMI is determined using the child’s height and weight. The child’s weight status is determined using his or her age and sex. The method is different from that used for adults because a child’s body composition varies with age, and between boys and girls.

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children can have a number of harmful effects. Children who are overweight or obese can suffer from:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol level
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
Asthma
Dyspepsia or gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn)
Liver problems

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Many of the diseases mentioned above used to affect adults only, but with the increasing rates of childhood obesity more and more children now suffer from these diseases. Obese children are likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes as a consequence of insulin resistance or insulin deficiency.

Obese children are also likely to have high cholesterol levels and hypertension (high blood pressure). These medical disorders are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Likewise, obesity can cause breathing problems such as asthma or sleep apnea. Overly obese children and adolescents can also suffer from metabolic disorders, liver disease, gallstones and joint problems.

Psychological and Emotional Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can have damaging psychological and emotional effects on children who are at a vulnerable age. Obese children are often teased and bullied by their peers, and can suffer from social discrimination and low self-esteem. As a consequence, they may react by misbehaving or becoming anti-social.

In a society that places great importance on being thin, beautiful and athletic, obese children are often socially ostracized and bullied. They can suffer from anxiety and as a result do poorly in school.

Health Risks in the Future

Obese children are more likely to grow into obese adults in the future. In addition, they can also suffer from weight-related problems much sooner. As a consequence of childhood obesity, people can have a heart attack as early as their 30′s or 40′s. Childhood obesity also leads to diabetes as well as some forms of cancer in adults.

What You Can Do Now

The obesity rate is now at a level where it has become a major contributor to chronic disease and disability worldwide. The level is highest in developed countries, where obesity is now recognized as a grave concern to public health. A healthy and balanced diet can help control obesity. Children must be encouraged to engage in regular exercise and physical activity. The effects of childhood obesity are too serious to be ignored. In severe cases, medical care may be required and treatments such as liposuction or stomach bypass surgery may have to be considered.

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Causes of Childhood Obesity

Environmental Factors – Environmental factors play a huge role in childhood obesity. American families often eat out, and more often than not, they eat fast food that is high in fats and calories but lacking in nutrition. Sugary drinks and energy-dense convenience foods like cookies and chips are readily available while wholesome, healthy foods are less accessible and oftentimes more expensive. Portion sizes are larger than they used to be, so that people tend to eat more without realizing it.

Kids Need Exercise

Children these days do not get enough physical activities. They spend too much time using entertainment media such as television, video games, computers and movies. TV viewing is a major cause of childhood obesity because it discourages physical activity. In addition, it can lead to increased food intake through snacking and eating in front of the TV. Television commercials also encourage children to make unhealthy food choices.

Genetics/Family History – Another factor that can cause childhood obesity is genetics. A child that comes from a family of overweight people is more likely to put on extra weight, too. While genetics plays an important role in childhood obesity, family factors also have a significant impact particularly if these factors include eating too much without getting enough exercise. Dietary and lifestyle habits within the family contribute to childhood obesity.

Socioeconomic Factors – Children from low-income backgrounds, including lower level of education, are more likely to become obese. Healthy eating and exercise is difficult for families with limited time and resources. High-calorie processed foods are often cheaper and more readily available than fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Families with low socioeconomic status may also have limited access to safe recreational places, thus making it difficult to participate in sports and physical activities. However, recent studies into obesity show that the rate of childhood obesity among high- income groups is now on the rise.

Psychological Factors – Some people, including children, are “stress eaters”. They overeat in order to handle stress or deal with negative emotions. There are also people who eat to fight boredom.

Medications – Certain drugs can cause obesity in children, such as steroids and antidepressants. Children who are taking medications for a psychiatric condition or seizure disorder may gain excess weight. These drugs cause weight gain by stimulating the appetite or slowing down the body’s metabolism so that it burns calories more slowly. In some cases, the medication may cause the body to retain water.

The CDC has a great page on their plan over the last few years to try and stop these causes of childhood obesity

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