Rising Obesity in Children: Overweight Problems
Today's Hit and Run Lifestyle: Overweight and Obese Children
Oct 17, 2008
Parents are working, sometimes more than one job. Schedules do not allow adequate time for nutritious food consideration. Fast food and easy meals are the order of the day. Additionally, children spend far too much time in front of the video games, televisions and computers--not enough time exercising. When a youngster returns home from school as much as five and a half hours may be spent in front of a screen.
The result? Fast food and easy meals coupled with little to no exercise equals weight gain, and sometimes substantial weight gain.
"The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate — 1 out of 3 kids are now considered overweight or obese." (kidshealth.org, written for a website, no author or date, edited by: Mary L. Gavin, MD., June 2008).
Risks of Obesity
There are a number of medical problems overweight/obese children are at risk for, not only as children, but when they reach adulthood as well. These include:
- Problems with the circulatory system;
- Diabetes;
- Physical stress and consequently bone and joint issues;
- Increased respiratory problems;
- The inability to sleep;
- Faster physical maturity which conflicts with lack of internal maturity;
- Mental Health issues;
- Internal organ problems; and,
- Heart problems--the severity of which may increase in adulthood.
"Overweight children are more likely to be overweight adults. Successfully preventing or treating overweight in childhood may reduce the risk of adult overweight. This may help reduce the risk of heart disease and other diseases." (americanheart.org., no author, written for a website, October 16, 2008).
Healthy Weight
The human body in both boys and girls needs a certain amount of weight for growth and maturation. Just because a child or adolescent may look heavy, does not mean he/she is overweight or obese. A family physician can be the best judge of whether or not a child is having weight problems. The family doctor is the person who has the resources to give a sound evaluation.
Communication to the Child or Adolescent Concerning Weight Issues
Whatever the weight of children, shaming them can lead to more complications than solutions. Love and accept them as they are. Let them know they are valued because of who they are on the inside. Children who place self-value on their physical appearances are at risk for serious eating disorders at some point in time.
"Overweight children are at increased risk of low self-esteem because of the social emphasis on appearance and being slim. Don't be afraid to bring up the topic of health and fitness, but do be sensitive that a child may view your concern as an insult." (mayoclinic.com, written for a website, no author or date).
Engaging the whole family to live a healthy lifestyle, which means balancing food and exercise takes the pressure off any individual within the family unit. Mutual support amongst family members not only lowers the risk of sabotaging healthy eating but improves the odds of maintaining healthy eating as well as healthy weights.
More Information
Sources
kidshealth.org
americanheart.org
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