Childhood Obesity in America and Statistics

America is facing a strange crisis today. This crisis has nothing to do with finance or national security as would generally be assumed, but with the increasing incidence of childhood obesity. Today, childhood obesity in America is considered to be the number one causes of disease and death in the country. In fact, this crisis has assumed such huge proportions that it is today considered the fastest growing threat to human life and productivity.

If statistics are to be believed, every two Americans out of three are either overweight or obese. Also true is the fact that every eighth death in America is due to a disease caused by obesity. The unfortunate part of this situation is that these diseases are completely preventable.

With the popularity of fast food in America and the widespread lack of physical activity and exercise, childhood obesity in America has become a looming threat. In the past two decades, the number of obese children has increased about 100 percent. This excess weight that the children carry increases the risk of developing various physical and mental health problems. Since obese children are most likely to grow into obese adults, the risk of developing health problems becomes all the more apparent.

Health problems linked to childhood obesity

Some of the commonly experienced health problems of obese children are:

• Abnormal lipid profile with a steep surge in blood lipids
• Insulin resistance
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Piles
• Elevated levels of blood cholesterol

The latest survey conducted to measure childhood obesity in America reports that about 7 million children and teenagers in the country suffer from elevated levels of cholesterol. These children are more prone to developing both cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Both of these diseases were conventionally associated with people in their middle age. The type 2 diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate amongst children and teenagers, making it one of the most widespread diseases in America. The plight of an overweight child however, doesn’t end here. The child also has to deal with various emotional and social challenges.

The part nobody talks about

The emotional side is often the heaviest load. Teasing at school, being picked last in games, avoiding the pool in summer. Many children carry that long after the weight is gone. This is why the language at home matters so much. Talk about being strong and having energy. Do not talk about the number on the scale. Children who feel shamed tend to eat more in secret, not less.

What parents can do at home

It is important at this stage to encourage children to spend their leisure time in outdoor play and physical activity instead of following a sedentary lifestyle, watching TV or playing video games. With that, it is also important to switch from fast foods to healthier organic foods. It’s only with the amalgamation of healthy eating habits and routine physical activities that this challenge can be overcome.

Small changes that add up

• Eat together at the table. Family meals are linked with better eating patterns.
• Keep sugary drinks out of the house. Liquid calories are the easiest ones to cut.
• Protect sleep. Short sleep is strongly tied to weight gain in children.
• Make the whole family join in. Do not single out one child.
• Let children serve themselves. It helps them notice when they are full.
• Aim for active play every day. It does not have to be a sport.

One warning. Never put a growing child on a restrictive diet on your own. Children need nutrition to grow. Any plan for weight should be made with a paediatrician.

How common is it? The numbers

Child Obesity has increased 3 times in last 30 years. 6.5% Children between 6 – 11 years were obese in 1980 whereas 19.8% of children were obese in 2008. These figures are similar to that of adolescents aged 12 – 19 years where obesity increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.

It has both short and long term effects on one’s health. The primary cause for obesity is the imbalance between calorie intake and calories expended. The other possible reasons for childhood obesity include behavioral, genetic and environmental factors.
Child Obesity Statistics in America

• One in 7 low income preschool children is obese.
• 17% of children between 2-19 years are obese.
• 25% of adults who are obese were overweight when they were children.
• High body mass index(BMI) in America ranges for 10% for toddlers and infants to 18% for adolescents and teenagers.
• According to CDC estimates 1 in 3 American children born in the year 2000 would develop diabetes.
• Children and Adolescents in America do not meet U.S. dietary guidelines and their number is less than 40%.
• 85% of adolescent females do not eat enough calcium

Note : All the above data are taken from CDC.GOV and is for the year between 2008 and 2009.

Frequently asked questions

How is childhood obesity measured?

Doctors use BMI, but for children it is read against a growth chart for their age and sex. A single BMI number means little on its own for a growing child.

Is it genetic or is it lifestyle?

Both. Genes can decide how easily a child gains weight. Daily habits decide whether that tendency turns into a problem.

Should a child be told to lose weight?

Usually not in those words. For many growing children the goal is to hold weight steady while they grow taller. A doctor should set that goal, not a parent alone.

Does screen time really matter?

Yes, in two ways. It replaces active play, and snacking in front of a screen happens without the child noticing.