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Facts on Overweight Children

Children who are overweight have increased risks for medical problems during childhood, and are at jeopardy for lifelong medical conditions. Food high in fat and a decrease in exercise have contributed to the rise in overweight children in the United States.

  1. Statistics

    • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 17 percent of children between ages 2 and 19 are overweight.

    Body Mass Index

    • Body Mass Index (BMI) uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a person has. Overweight children have a BMI at the 85th and below the 95th percentiles. Obese children have a BMI at the 95th percentile or higher.

    Causes

    • Poor diet and lack of physical activity greatly attribute to children being overweight. Rarely, endocrine problems and heredity can cause children to be overweight.

    Diagnosis

    • During routine examinations, doctors assess a child's weight through the use of BMI and determine where a child falls in the underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese range.

    Risks

    • Increased risks include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as bone and joint problems, disordered sleep patterns, liver and gall bladder disease, depression and substance abuse. Childhood cardiovascular problems could develop into adulthood heart disease, heart failure, stroke and obesity.

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