Overweight and Obese Children

Overweight and Obese Children


There are often many factors that play a part in creating and overweight or obese child. Some of these factors are genetic, socially environmental and behavioral. Overweight and obesity is caused by an imbalance between the calories consumed and the calories that are used to support a normal developing child, metabolism and physical activity. Obesity is not determined by weight alone, but rather by Body Mass Index (BMI), which takes into account weight and height. Parents are not always likely to take preventative measures if their perception of their child’s weight is not correct.
It is not usual that one particular factor is the cause of being overweight or obese. The different factors are usually combined with each other. Socially environmental factors can contain many areas both inside and outside the home. School districts are constantly creating programs that provide nutritional value yet physical education classes and physical activity are being cut from school programs. School districts are also allowing middle school and high school students the option to purchase carbonated beverages, ice creams and fast food. The over developed environment of communities limit access to physical activity and healthy food. Parents are role models for their children. The child’s behavior will often mimic that of the parents. Children are watching more television and playing video games rather than exercising. Their physical activity is far less than their caloric intake. There is no one with more influence over a child than a parent. Parents determine the foundation for childhood weight problems
Overweight and obesity are profound health concerns for children and adolescents. Information from two NHANES survey’s completed in 1976-1980 and 2003-2004 show the prevalence of overweight is increasing for children 2-5 years by 8.9%, 6-11 years by 12.3%, 12-19 years by 12.4% (JAMA). Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk for...