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Some Facts about Childhood Obesity 
We all know that adult obesity is a national health issue that has been on the rise for decades. But did you know that childhood obesity has also been rising, and that it is markedly different from adult obesity? A little knowledge goes a long way. Here are some facts about childhood/adolescent obesity.
• Childhood obesity occurs when the child or adolescent consumes more energy (meaning calories) than he/she uses for growth and physical activity.
• A child’s BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated differently than an adult’s.
It is based on age and sex-specific classifications because the child’s body is constantly changing due to growth and sex-specific standards.
• Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. One study found that 25% of obese adults were overweight as children. Additionally, children who become overweight before the eight year mark are likely become severely obese in adulthood.
• Risk factors for Cardiovascular Disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or Type 2 Diabetes, are more likely to develop in obese children. In a cross study of 5-17 year olds, 70% of obese children had developed at least on CVD risk factor. 39% had developed two or more.
Contributing Factors to Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity has many complex causes, but experts seem to agree that the strongest contributory factors are genetic, environmental, and behavioral.
Certainly, genetics do play a role in the development of childhood obesity. For example, obese parents are more likely to have obese children. However, genetics is not believed to be the strongest cause of the problem on its own. Usually, a genetic predisposition combined with environmental and behavioral factors, such as inactivity and poor diet, tend to create the problem.
Poor diet is a significant cause of childhood obesity. Larger portions and more frequent snacking on high calorie foods are contributory. Excessively sugary beverages like soda or energy drinks are also detrimental. Liquid forms of energy are less satiating, leading children to consume other solid forms of energy, and thus increasing their caloric intake.
In addition to poor diet, children tend to get less exercise nowadays. Sedentary behavior, such as watching TV, surfing the internet, and playing video games, lowers a child’s metabolic rate and encourages more snacking. Physical activity has good effects on a child’s blood pressure and bone strength, and active children are more likely to become active, healthy adults.
Source:
1. www.nutrition.gov
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Childhood ObesityWednesday, 11 November 2009 Some Facts about Childhood Obesity We all know that adult obesity is a national health issue that has been on the rise for decades. But did you...
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