Childhood Obesity Facts, They can’t be Ignored

Covering this topic will surely help you to better understand how to deal with similar situations.

No longer is the disease called obesity limited to adults. The rise in obesity in young children and adolescents is of growing great concern, not only are some children having to deal with obesity at a very early age, but there are serious health issues that often continue into adulthood due to obesity.

The rate of child obesity has doubled since the 1970’s for children between the ages of (12 to 19) 30.4 percent are overweight and between the age (2 to 5) 15.3 percent are overweight. The rate has tripled for children between the ages of 6 to 11. There is a chance that 1 in 3 children will be overweight, while the facts show that 16% of children are all ready overweight today. Children with a least one parent that is overweight or obese are more likely to become overweight with a 79 percent chance of their obesity continuing into adulthood.

When it comes to being overweight there is not much of a difference between girls and boys. In the last few years’ statics showed that there were over 29 percent of boys at risk compared to 27 percent of girls dealing with weight problems.

Statics also show that different ethnics are more affected than others. Boys in the Mexican American group are affected with over 42% dealing with obesity, while girls among the African American group are more likely to deal with this problem as children.

In order to determine if your child is overweight or obese, Health specialists use the BMI (body mass index) as a guide line. If your child is at or above the 85th to 95th percentile they are considered overweight.

Children that are overweight are often affected by other adverse health issues that often carry into their adulthood. Childhood obesity has also been related to an increase in mortality and morbidity later in life.

Here are some health issues associated with childhood obesity.

1. Asthma- Adolescents and children who are overweight are more likely to have moderate to server asthma.

2. Type 2 Diabetes- Type 2 Diabetes is at an all time high in adolescents which can be directly related to an increase in childhood obesity.

3. Hypertension- High blood pressure has been found to be 9 times higher in children that are overweight.

4. Orthopedic Complications- Boys that are overweight can develop complications in their growth patterns. The excess weight can affect the development and growth of the bone and cartilage in a negative way, resulting in growth complications like bowing and overgrowth of leg bones.

5. Stigma and Psychosocial Effects- The simple pressures of growing up are often intensified when your child is overweight. Children who are overweight are often taller. Overweight girls, especially Caucasians, may develop a poor self image which can later develop into eating disorders later in life.

There are many more health issues that have been associated with childhood obesity. Children are less active and are predisposed to eat habits that put them at risk for being overweight. The facts show that unless there are some major changes made, children are at a high risk for obesity.

Copyright 2007-2009 Janice J. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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