Childhood Obesity

In the past 30 years, we have seen childhood obesity more than double in children and triple in adolescents.  The numbers have shocked many including The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Why we are seeing these rises may have many complex answers, the experts have boiled it down to too little exercise and too much junk food.  To combat the rise in obesity, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has produced a set of guidelines.  For the next few weeks we will look at what they are advocating to correct the problem.  In their Physical Activity Guidelines for 2010, they state that childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being.

The immediate effects are listed as:

• Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. (In a population-based sample of 5 to 17 year-olds, 70% had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease).
• Obese adolescents are more likely to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.
• Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

The long-term effects are listed as:

• Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. (One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults).
• Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese.  Physical Activity Guidelines recommends that children and adolescents aged 6-17 years should have 60 minutes or more moderate or vigorous physical activity each day. Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be aerobic physical activity and should include vigorous physical activity at least 3 days a week. Children and adolescents should include muscle and bone strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week. Encourage participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are enjoyable, and that offer variety.

Regular physical activity not only helps build healthy bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colon cancer, it helps reduce depression and anxiety.  Academic performance will be increased, along with concentration and attention to task.

Next week we will look at the nutrition factors as set out by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in their Guidelines for 2010.