What are the FACTS on childhood obesity?

  • Childhood obesity more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years
  • Age 6-11 years: obesity increased from 7% in 1980 to 18% in 2012
  • Age 12-19 years: obesity increased from 5% in 1980 to 21% in 2012
  • In 2012, more than 1/3 of children and adolescents were overweight or obese
Overweight and obesity: abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that impairs health
BMI (Body mass index): a reasonable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens
Overweight: BMI at or above the 85% and lower than the 95% for children of the same age and sex
Obesity: BMI at or above the 95% for children of the same age and sex

CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Increased risk for Type 2 diabetes
  • Breathing problems
  • Joint problems
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Greater risk of social and psychological problems
  • Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity increases risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY

  • Excess caloric intake
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Frequent snacking
  • Larger portions
  • Higher calorie density of foods
  • More meals consumed or purchased away from home
  • Advertising that promotes unhealthy food consumption
  • Value-sizing of less nutritious foods

INADEQUATE AMOUNTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Labor saving technological advances, ie. computers
  • Increased screen time and media use; ie. TV, video games
  • Relying on motorized transportation
  • Limited access to safe, convenient recreation facilities or walking areas
  • Limited opportunities for physical activities during workday
  • Limited daily fitness activities in schools

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY

  • Obesity is NOT being viewed as a medical problem
  • Knowledge
  • Time
  • Access
  • Finances
  • Environment
  • Motivation

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN OBESITY PREVENTION

  • Healthy eating and physical activity
  • Diet and physical activity of children/adolescents are influenced by many sectors of society
  • Families
  • Communities
  • Schools and childcare settings
  • Faith-based institutions
  • Government agencies
  • The Media
  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Entertainment Industry
SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & Food Research & Action Center

Our team of Pediatricians are happy to see your child and can consult with Dr. Nguyen if she is not licensed in the state where you are located.

This was first published at Faithful-2-Fitness.

Author: Dr. Katrina Nguyen, Pediatric Gastroenterologist with MyCatholicDoctor

Editor: Samantha Wright, Director of Education and Online Resources with MyCatholicDoctor

Katrina Nguyen, M.D.

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