"Is my child overweight?"
If you ask yourself this question, and you're unsure of the answer, you're not alone. It's not always easy to tell if children are truly overweight just by looking at them, and it may even be tougher for parents to do so. One study found that many parents don't view their overweight children as being overweight.Why is this? Could it be that as a result of the obesity epidemic we've become so accustomed to seeing overweight people that we truly don't notice? Or are some parents simply in denial about their child's weight issues?
The facts cannot be denied: In the 1970's the prevalence of obesity for children aged six to 11 was only 5%; 2003 statistics show that figure is closer to 13.9%. For those aged 12 to 19 years of age, the prevalence increased from 5% in the 1970s to 17.4% in 2003. These figures show childhood obesity is an epidemic and is increasing at an alarming rate. Even more alarmingly, kids under the age of five are now being diagnosed as overweight or obese.
Why it Matters
The problem of childhood overweight and obesity must be acknowledged in order to preserve our kids' physical and emotional health. Overweight kids often develop low self-esteem and have a negative body image. They are often teased or alienated by their peers. In addition to the social problem that could cause emotional scars, overweight kids and teens have a higher risk of developing major health issues than those of normal weight, including asthma, diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic problems and sleep apnea.Being overweight in childhood increases the risk of developing disease in adulthood. They include cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and gout, and heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in America.
Lastly, children who are overweight are much more likely to become obese adults. Research has shown that children who became obese by age 8 were more severely obese as adults. When it comes to your child's lifespan, obesity itself and the increased risk of disease significantly increases her risk of a premature death.
More: 10 Tips for Concerned Parents
Why it Happens
If you find your child is overweight, your next question, logically, would be, "Why?" The causes may include:
- Increased intake of high-processed pre-packaged foods and fast food.
- Reduce activity both at home and school, from viewing too much TV, playing video games too often, and the lack of physical education at school.
- Increased intake of calorie-laden beverages such as juice and soda pop.
- Oversized portions both at home and when eating out.
- Falling victim to advertising of unhealthy foods during TV shows geared towards young people.
More: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight
Points to Consider
Remember that weight naturally increases at different times during childhood, particularly during growth spurts. These weight changes are completely normal and should not be viewed as weight problems. The average girl gains approximately 50 pounds from ages 10 to 15 or 16. Boys gain around 10 to 15 pounds a year from ages 13 to 18.If your child is found to be overweight, but not obese, your pediatrician will more than likely recommend that you help her maintain her weight to "grow into" it rather than dieting to actually take off a significant amount of weight at once.
Before you take any steps to manage your child's weight, you should discuss your concerns, and any significant dietary changes you want to make, with his or her pediatrician.
Assess Your Child's Weight:
SourcesFerraro, Kenneth, et al. The Life Course of Severe Obesity: Does Childhood Overweight Matter?. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 58:S110-S119 (2003). 6 April 2008.
Freedman DS, Khan LK, Dietz WH, Srinivasan SR, Berenson GS. Relationship of childhood obesity to coronary heart disease risk factors in adulthood: the Bogalusa Study. Pediatrics 2001;108(3):712-718. 6 April 2008.
Marks, MD Andrea and Rothbart, MSW, Betty. Healthy Teens, Body and Soul: A Parent's Complete Guide. New York: Fireside, 2003.
