Some 15 million children and adolescents in the U.S. are affected by obesity and obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and asthma, and these numbers continue to grow. Over the past three decades, obesity has doubled among children and tripled among adolescents. This applies to all races and socio-economic status, but the impact on lower income families may be greater because of a lack of access to healthy foods and vegetables as well as regular health care.
Experts agree combating this trend begins with education and example from adults who have influence over young people.
What is obesity
Doctors measure body fat using the body mass index, a formula that divides a person’s weight by the square of their height. CDC sex-specific growth charts for children and adolescents provide a useful guideline for determining a healthy BMI as a child grows. A BMI at or above the 95th percentile for a child’s age and height is considered obese, but doctors stress that these charts are guidelines. Athletes, for example, can frequently have a higher BMI but not actually be overweight.
Among the biggest factors contributing to obesity in children is the trend toward a lifestyle that involves less exercise, more snacking, and super-sized servings. Consider the following:
- Children and adolescents continue to spend a lot of time on electronic devices, gaming, and watching television.
- Candy, soft drinks, and other snack foods that children favor contain high levels of fat and sugar with almost no nutritional value.
- Busy families often rely on fast food, convenience foods, frozen items, and processed foods that contain unhealthy fats, with less focus on fresh foods, fruits and vegetables.
Healthy weight matters
A child who is obese by age 10 to 13 has an 80% chance of being an obese adult. These children ultimately face an increased risk of developing a host of other health issues, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Asthma and sleep apnea
- Inflammation in the joints
With this information in mind, parents, teachers, caregivers, coaches, and other adults can both educate and be role models for children to start good habits as early in life as possible. Annual well-child checkups are among the best ways for parents to ensure a child’s health. Your child’s doctor can provide guidance and other tests to educate you on what is best for your child and whether weight could be a problem.
Focus on a healthy family
Make healthy eating and healthy weight a family affair by doing the following:
- Introduce healthy foods, especially fresh vegetables, early in life and encourage young children to try them more than once, even if they are reluctant.
- Involve children in meal preparation so they learn how to prepare healthy foods, create a balanced meal, and serve appropriate portions.
- Make exercise part of the routine, including family walks, bike rides, or playing at the park.
- Turn off the television, laptop, tablet, and video games and get outside whenever possible. Most importantly, set limits on your child’s use of electronic devices.
- Always have healthy snacks as options for kids coming in from play or school. (i.e., veggies and hummus rather than a bag of potato chips)
The doctors at Stark Women’s Center are available to help with education and guidelines to keep your family healthy. We understand each patient and family is unique and our recommendations always fit your specific needs.
Our Certified Dietician Joan Uhl is currently scheduling appoints for those seeking dietary counseling. With a focus on improved nutrition and weight loss, our programs provide exercise ideas, custom meal plans, body fat analysis, and more.
Contact Stark Women’s Center today for more information about how we can help you and your family with nutrition and weight loss.