Last updated on April 14, 2022
Childhood obesity is sweeping the nation, and the world at an alarming rate, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. In 2018, the prevalence of obesity was 19.3% in the United States and affected over 14 million children and adolescents. The rates of obesity in ages 2-5 were around 13%, and in 6- to 11-year-olds, it was 20.3%. In ages 12 to 19, the prevalence of obesity was 21.2%.1
These numbers have grown and are still growing. More and more children are obese or at risk of becoming obese than ever before. Because obese children often turn into obese adults, these rising trends in childhood obesity mean the rates for adult obesity are increasing. If America stays on this path, we will have a very unhealthy nation to look forward to in the future.
What is Obesity
To better understand the crisis, it is imperative to understand what childhood obesity means. One key component to explain is body mass index (BMI), calculated using weight and height. A good BMI means you have a healthy weight, and a higher BMI usually means you are overweight. 2 A healthy BMI is different for each age group and changes as children age.
You can easily find your BMI by using a BMI calculator, which is available on many websites. The bottom line is that when considering age, a higher BMI usually means a person is overweight, and the higher the BMI, the more at risk you are for obesity. The average BMI for all age groups is rising, but there is an especially concerning increase in the younger populations.
How Does Childhood Obesity Affect the Future
So, why is this such an issue? Why is being overweight, or obese, a big deal for children? First and foremost, as mentioned previously, an obese child grows up to be an obese adult and, quite often, will raise obese children themselves and often raise obese children themselves. Besides that, there are some concerning health effects of being obese as a child. Obesity puts a child at risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Childhood obesity increases the risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Breathing problems like asthma and sleep apnea are also common in obese children. Being obese can cause joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort. It also can cause fatty liver disease, gallstones, and heartburn. Finally, childhood obesity is related to psychological issues like anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and poorer quality of life. It can also lead to social problems such as bullying.3
No one should have to deal with these issues, especially as a child. These are severe health problems that only become more of an issue as a child ages. What’s important to understand is that childhood obesity is more than just an overweight child. It is a disease that affects every aspect of a child’s life. It’s a disease that, if not treated, leads to scary consequences.
How Childhood Obesity Can Be Prevented
Obesity is a lifestyle disease. Which means it is primarily the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. That also means that the Treatment is often a healthier lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic states that “Treatment usually includes changes in your child’s eating habits and physical activity level. In certain circumstances, Treatment might include medications or weight-loss surgery.”4 The intensity of the Treatment depends on how overweight the child is.
In most cases, eating healthier, losing weight, and becoming more active are the best ways to start. While medication and surgery are effective, they are often worst-case scenario options. The good news is that while childhood obesity is severe and scary, childhood obesity is treatable.
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Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 5). Childhood obesity facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 21). Defining childhood weight status. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/defining.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 19). Childhood obesity causes & consequences. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, December 5). Childhood obesity. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354833.
Great. Good to know. Healthy lifestyle is Healthy Eating.
I love the way this growing problem was highlighted in simple terms that drives it home to the reader. However, the solution is not that easy.
The food industry has a major role to play in addressing this issue. There is need for more healthy food choices. Most of the foods children love to eat such as burgers, cereal, yogurts and juices are loaded with fat, sugar, aspartame etc. Even the so called healthy choices are not as healthy as it claims. I spend time going through the nutrition contents of these products and its so hard to find one that is actually low in fat and sugar, And when I find one, it’s usually more expensive.
Children eat fruits and veggies but not all the time and portion control is one term that kids find difficult to understand especially those that love to eat.
Getting the kids to stay active is also not easy,they prefer to play games on the phone or computer.
You are absolutely correct. Let’s continue to educate our kids and hope for the best.