A Weighty Problem

The center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued statements several times warning the public we are having a “child obesity epidemic” in this country. The number of obese children has doubled in the past 20 years, and childhood obesity is one of the biggest health problems of the decade. It was reported by the CDC in May 2002 that overweight children are being hospitalized at a dramatically rising rate with diagnosis of heart disease, high blood pressure, renal disease and diabetes. Prevention of obesity in young children should be a priority.

Research has documented that for many obese adults, the root of their disorder can be traced back to childhood. Obesity tends to persist throughout life. We can attest to that by remembering some of the stories we have heard from a few famous celebrities, who suffered from fighting the overweight syndrome. Oprah Winfrey stated many times that she has fought the battle since she was a young adult. She admits to her love of all the wrong foods, eaten in large portions. Changing her behavior, reducing her weight has been her biggest challenge. Carnie Wilson, a popular singer, had to undergo gastric bypass to assist her with losing weight. She admits a behavior change was needed to keep the weight off. Al Roker of ABC’s Today Show, required gastric bypass surgery as a last resort to overcome his obesity problem.

Physical activity has fallen and the consumption of fast foods and large portions of foods has risen. Our society is a service industry and the food service industry is abundant. The choices of restaurants, fast food venues are overwhelming. Take a look around in your community and see how far our children have to go to reach the first fast food business.

If a child under three years of age is overweight, this does not predict future obesity. After age three however, the likelihood that obesity will persist into adulthood increases with the advancing age of the child and is higher in children with severe obesity in all age groups.

Who or what is to blame for this increasing unhealthy problem of being overweight? Some experts in the field of children and adolescents health blame TV, videos, computer games and schools not providing daily mandatory recess and gym in the higher grades. Children are in schools most of the day and they deserve daily physical activity as we had when we went to school. Some experts blame eating out, soft drinks, lack of education and having at least one parent who is obese as contributing factors that put a child at risk for obesity.

It will take all of us to fight this epidemic. We must try to impact parents ourselves and the children themselves that eating healthy and being active is the right road to travel. There is a song I enjoy singing and dancing with my grandson from the video Madagascar called Move It Move It Move It.

By Carolyn Williams R.N.
Nurse Consultant

Resources:
Warning of Child Obesity www.childobesity.com

Limiting TV Could Help Cut Child Obesity www.lesliebeck.com/page.php?id=432&type=art.

Beverages Play Important Role in Child Nutrition www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content

Hunt for Answer on Child Obesity www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/07