Spotlight on Childhood Obesity in America
April 2002 -- Children in America have become vulnerable to many diseases that were once linked only to older adults. Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) now strike boys and girls from 6 to 17 years of age. The cause? Obesity.
"Obesity means that a person weighs 20 percent more than his or her ideal body weight," says Vicente Lemes, MD, pediatric cardiologist on staff at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Memorial Hospital West. "With an increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States, physicians are taking a closer look at the lifestyles and family history of these children."
A Generation in Jeopardy
The rise in childhood obesity has been linked to the following factors:
Inactivity - Today's children spend more time watching television and playing computer games than exercising. When physical activity decreases, the chance of weight gain increases.
Diet - Poor eating habits can occur at home or at school. Too much fast food and too many sweets, along with too few fruits and vegetables, can result in an overweight child.
Family History - Obese children often become obese adults. And, obese parents often have obese kids. The reasons behind this pattern can include genetics, making food the focus of family gatherings and setting bad eating patterns in the home.
As a pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Lemes deals with the side effects of obesity, specifically high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
"Cardiovascular disease caused by obesity can pose problems for children in their adult years," says Dr. Lemes. "Without proper monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, or a focus on weight loss and exercise, the stress placed on the heart escalates. This increases the risk of heart disease as the child ages."
Obese children in middle to late puberty are also vulnerable to type 2 diabetes - an obesity-related form of the disease. The number of children who suffer from type 2 diabetes has more than quadrupled over the last 10 years.
Smart Weight Management
Exercise is a great weight loss tool. Dr. Lemes recommends starting gradually with a 30-minute brisk walk at least three days a week. He also points out that working out with a parent or a friend can motivate the child and make exercise fun.
Additionally, nutrition needs to be common sense. Parents should encourage a balanced diet and limit junk food. Parents who set an example of proper nutrition can improve their child's attitude towards weight loss.
"Improving the psychological well-being of an obese child is also important," says Dr. Lemes. "Often, these children are picked on by their classmates and suffer from low self-esteem. By encouraging, supporting and even joining their child in a weight-loss program, parents can have a profound influence on their child's health."
If you are concerned about your child's weight, there are steps you can take. Memorial Hospital West offers weight loss programs for children. Click here to learn more about the programs, or call the Memorial Hospital West Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at (954) 844-7125.