Childhood Obesity

The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6-11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years and among adolescents aged 12-19 has more than tripled according to a recent study. Children and adolescents are more likely to become overweight adults if they are obese as a child.

One out of every five children who are obese falls in the 94th percentile on the charts of the CDC, which means 25-30% of the children in the United States are overweight, less than 40% of these children meet the U.S. dietary guidelines for saturated fats which is a major cause for obesity. Underlying diseases such as Hypothyroidism and metabolic disorders causes 5% of obesity. Only a physician or health care worker can diagnose a child with obesity. It has no bearing on race, gender or age.

The risk factors of childhood obesity is an increase in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, CV disease, social isolation, low self esteem and depression according to Dr. Bell, a local pediatrician in Jacksonville, Florida.

Childhood obesity can be controlled by diet management, physical activity, prescription drugs and uncommonly but considered in severe cases weight loss surgery, and prevented by well child visits, parental exercise, good food intake and making sure not to maintain a clean plate policy. Include more fruit and vegetables, eliminate sweets, high juice intake and make sure to give appropriate size portions according to the food pyramid. Following these simple steps can keep our children healthy and within the CDC guidelines.