Obesity in School-Age Children

While it's not a given that every obese child is going to grow into an overweight adult, unhealthy eating habits that develop in youth have a higher than average chance of courting obesity and related diseases with the passage of years.

Significance

• According to statistical studies of the American Obesity Association, the number of overweight children between the ages of six and 11 has more than doubled since 1980, and the rate in adolescents has tripled. This translates to roughly 20 percent of young people being over the recommended weight for their age group.

Effects

• According to the National Institutes of Health, the rising number of obese children has resulted in an increase of cases of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma, orthopedic problems, heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels--serious health conditions that are carried into adulthood.

Factors

• Some of the causes of childhood obesity include heredity, minimal physical activity, access to high-fat and/or sugary snacks, and family dining that centers on the consumption of fast food. In addition, the proliferation of video games and the phasing out of previously mandatory physical education classes at schools have combined to create sedentary lifestyles for students.

Psychological Considerations

• Children who are overweight often have problems with self-esteem because of ridicule by peers and others. This, in turn, affects their ability to learn, focus and set goals. As adults, they are less likely to be high achievers and may be prone to depression.

Prevention/Solution

• In addition to encouraging regular exercise, it's incumbent upon parents to monitor their children's portions, read product labels, make healthy selections when eating out and plan nutritious menus.