Greenwich Central School
Health Offices
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33% of children and adolescents are obese. It is among one of the easiest medical conditions to recognize, but one of the most difficult to treat.
Obesity occurs when a person eats more calories than the body burns up. A few extra pounds do not suggest obesity, but they may indicate a tendency to gain weight easily. Generally a child is not considered obese until the weight is at least 10% higher than what is medically recommended for the height and body type. Obesity commonly begins in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and during adolescence.
Many different factors can play a role in childhood obesity. Our society has become very sedentary. Television, computer and video games contribute to a lack of physical activity. Many adolescents watch more than 2 hours of television each day. Fast food restaurants and “on-the-go type foods “ are high in fats, carbohydrates, and calories. Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, medications such as steroids and some psychiatric medications, and stressful events such as divorce, moving, and deaths can play a major role in overeating.
Doctors and other health care professionals are the best people to determine whether your child’s weight is unhealthy. They also can rule out medical problems as the cause. Health professionals often use growth charts and body mass index to assess whether a child or adolescent is overweight. The physician will also consider your child’s age and growth patterns to determine whether his or her weight is healthy.
Risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes occur with increased frequency in overweight children. The most immediate consequence of obesity as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression.
Let your child know he or she is loved and appreciated whatever his or her weight. An overweight child probably knows better than anyone else that her or she has a weight problem. Overweight children need support, acceptance, and encouragement from their parents.
The following are suggestions for physical activity and healthy eating:
Plan family activities that provide everyone
with exercise and enjoyment.
Encourage swimming, biking, skating, ball
sports, walking, track, and other activities
Reduce the amount of time spent watching
television and playing video games.
Encourage your child to only eat when
hungry and to eat slowly.
Eat meals together as a family as often as
possible.
Cut down on the amount of fat and calories
in your family’s diet.
Don’t place your child on a restrictive
diet.
Avoid the use of food as a reward and
avoid withholding food as a punishment.
Encourage water intake and limit the
intake of beverages with added sugars, such as soft drinks, fruit juice drinks,
and sports drinks.
Plan for healthy snacks. Stock the refrigerator with low calorie
drinks, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Discourage eating meals or snacks while
watching television.
Encourage eating a healthy breakfast every
day.
Your child’s diet should be safe and nutritious. Any weight management program should be supervised by a physician. Always check with your child’s physician before beginning a weight management or exercise program.