Child Obesity: An Overview (Includes Medical Risks and Tips for Prevention)

Medical Consequences of Being Overweight

The number of overweight children and teens has continued to rise in the past two decades. According to the Center for Disease Control, this generation will be the first generation to die younger than its parents! Many parents are rightly concerned about their children's health.

Read on to learn why taking early action is vital...

How does being overweight as a child cause health problems?

Being overweight may lead to several health problems such as: heart disease, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, social judgment and psychosocial risks, gall-bladder disease, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, early puberty, gastro-intestinal diseases, gout, liver disease.

In the last two decades, doctors have been finding cases of what used to be "adult" diseases in overweight teenagers and children as young as age 6.

Type II Diabetes used to be called "Adult Onset" Diabetes. The name has recently changed to Type II diabetes due to the large number of children developing what used to be an exclusively adult problem. Being overweight is the single strongest risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. An adult diagnosed with Type II Diabetes may require kidney dialysis or have a heart attack in their 60s or 70s whereas a teen diagnosed with Type II Diabetes may develop these problems in their 30s or 40s.

New research indicates that childhood obesity itself may shorten one's life span, even if that person is not obese as an adult. It is imperative to recognize and treat childhood overweight as soon as possible in order to maximize life span.

Did you know...

Abnormal changes in the heart (i.e. clogging of the arteries) have been documented in healthy children as young as age 5!!!

Do overweight children become obese adults?

Yes! The evidence overwhelmingly shows that obese children do become obese adults. 75% of children who are overweight between the ages of 12 and 18 remain obese as adults. And half of overweight children age 6-11 become obese adults. Further, if a child is overweight before age 8, he/she is more likely to be severely obese as an adult.

What can weight loss do?

Most importantly, weight loss can reverse many of the health risks of being overweight. W weight reduction can also increase self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety.

Why should I call a doctor?

It is very important to work with a physician when placing any child on a weight loss plan. It is not safe for a child to be on a diet unless medically supervised. Studies have shown that if not monitored closely, a child's growth can be affected. A physician must be watching every step of the way to ensure that the child's height and growth is continuing at a normal rate. A pediatric specialist is also important because unlike adults, children have different nutritional and caloric needs at each stage of development. Child weight loss programs cannot be "one size fits all". They must be continually modified. Other studies have shown that do-it-yourself plans tend to backfire and cause weight gain. If a child is going to lose weight, he/she must do it safely.

Why should I act now?

It is easier to lose weight and sustain weight loss in children before they enter puberty. During puberty, hormonal changes cause weight gain and make weight loss more difficult. There are also changes in the brain areas that control appetite. Most important, the body's weight "set point" is determined at puberty- making significant weight loss (or gain) much more difficult. Once a person's set point is determined, if that person loses weight, the body responds by lowering resting metabolism and increasing hunger. It is preparing itself for starvation and will do anything it can to regain those lost pounds. This is why most people who lose weight wind up gaining it back. Before the set point is determined, these responses do not happen. A child can lose weight without inciting this "starvation" response.

You should act as soon as possible, while you have the best chance of making an impact. Parents have more influence on the behavior of younger children than older children and dietary habits in elementary school children are less firmly set. There is also more opportunity for physical activity during the younger years. By the time children become teenagers, they are often resistant to family centered treatment.

What can you do as the Parent?

Be a positive role model

Make it a whole family effort: Healthy eating habits should be learned by all members of the family, even if they are thin.

Take action early on; start with prevention. It is easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to lose weight.

Be realistic; do not expect dramatic results overnight. Unrealistic goals are .

The goal is to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development.

Encourage healthy eating habits.

Remove calorie-rich temptations from the house.

Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier.

Avoid the "clean plate" theory.

Help kids stay active and reduce the amount of sedentary time.

Remember that small changes will lead to a life-time of success!

MOST IMPORTANT TIP:

During your child's yearly physical ask for a complete medical exam from your doctor including blood work of cholesterol (if this not already completed) to assess any medical risks. Ask your doctor if your child is considered overweight or obese. And make healthy changes right away! Remember star with prevention!

For more information on Dr. Dolgoff's Weigh interactive internet diet program, go to http://www.DrWeigh.com.