Defining childhood obesity
- Age- and sex-specific growth charts are used to calculate BMI in children and teens (ages 2–20) using a child’s weight and height,then matching their BMI to the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile for their age and sex.
- The percentile shows how a child’s weight compares to that of other children of the same age and gender
- Children and teens whose BMI-for-age is:
- In the 95th percentile or higher are considered obese.
- Between the 85th and less than the 95th percentile are considered
overweight. - Between the 5th and less than the 85th percentile are considered
normal weight. - Below the 5th percentile are considered underweight.
Causes of childhood obesity
There is no one cause of obesity. It can be influenced by lifestyle habits, environment and genetics. But, in the majority of cases, it boils down to a pretty simple equation: We are taking in more calories than we are burning. Some common issues leading to this calorie imbalance:
Consequences of childhood obesity
Obese and overweight children are at risk for a number of serious health problems such as:
- Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes was once called adult-onset diabetes. Now with the rise in childhood obesity, there is a dramatic rise in the number of children suffering from type 2 diabetes. Untreated, this can be a life-threatening condition
- Asthma: Extra weight can make it harder to breathe and can inflame the respiratory tract. There is a rise in childhood asthma and children with serious asthma are more likely to be overweight
- Heart Failure: Being overweight makes the heart work harder. Overweight children are more likely to grow up to be overweight adults who develop heart problems
- Childhood obesity is also related to:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Sleep apnea
- Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
- Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn)
- Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression
- Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life
- Social problems such as bullying and stigma
Prevention
Balance is key in helping a child maintain a healthy weight. Balance the calories the child eats and drinks with the calories used through physical activity and normal growth.\
- Encourage healthy eating habits:
- Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products.
- Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products.
- Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils and beans for protein.
- Serve reasonably sized portions.
- Encourage your family to drink lots of water.
- Limit sugar-sweetened beverages, sugar, sodium and saturated fat.
- Make favorite dishes healthier. Some of your favorite recipes can be healthier with a few changes.
- Remove calorie-rich temptations.
- Limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks can also help your children develop healthy eating habits. Snack examples include:
- A medium-size apple
- A medium-size banana
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 cup carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers with 2 tbsp. hummus
- Limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks can also help your children develop healthy eating habits. Snack examples include:
- Help your kids understand the benefits of being physically active. Teach them that physical activity has great health benefits like:
- Strengthening bone
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Increasing self-esteem
- Helping with weight management
- Help kids stay active:
- Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week, and every day if possible:
- Brisk walking
- Playing tag
- Jumping rope
- Playing soccer
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week, and every day if possible:
- Reduce sedentary time:Although quiet time for reading and homework is fine, limit “screen time” (TV, video games, Internet) to no more than two hours a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend TV for kids age 2 or younger. Encourage your children to find fun activities to do with family members or on their own that simply involve more activity.
- Local programs:
- Farmers Market Match: By accepting SNAP (EBT/foods stamps) and offering Market Match program we aim to decrease the access barriers to fresh, healthy food!
- Grant County Farmers Markets : Farmers markets and local farms throughout Grant County offer a variety of seasonal, delicious, locally-grown food.
- 5-2-1-0 Grant County Go! : focuses on healthy eating and active living for Grant County children, their families, and the communities in which they live, learn, work, and play