The Silent Epidemic: Childhood Obesity
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Karen Virostek, MS, RD, FADA, LDN.
Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in this country. It is a major public health concern and it should be the concern of not only every parent but everyone who cares about children and the future health of the U.S. Research shows that children who are overweight have a 70 percent chance to grow into overweight or obese adults. This opens them up to a whole host of health problems from diabetes to heart disease.
Nationwide. the numbers tell an alarming story. Nationally, about 14 percent of children are overweight. Sadly, in Pennsylvania the situation is even worse. According to a recent study conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and researchers at Penn State University, the percentage of overweight young people is slightly higher here. The study followed 25,000 Pennsylvania students for three years and found that 18 percent of them were overweight. An additional 17 percent were at risk for becoming overweight by the time they reached eighth grade. Directly contributing to the number of overweight children are their lack of physical activity and poor eating habits.
Unfortunately, we are not always good examples when it comes to this issue. The “Archives of Internal Medicine” reports that two-thirds of the adults in the United States are overweight. This translates to 131 million people. Each year this contributes to at least 300,000 premature deaths and $90 billion in health care costs.
There is no magical solution. Parents need to keep their kids physically active and encourage healthy eating. More than that, parents need to set a good example. Take a walk with your child. Ask your kids to teach you how to play soccer. Suggest an after dinner bike ride for the whole family. Prepare a healthy dinner or snack together. Support your local school in efforts to serve healthier foods and to offer physical education classes.
Nutrition and exercise are something that a lot of parents might not even have ever discussed with their child. Parents today have a whole host of child-related worries – everything from good grades to peer pressure. Couple that with the hectic schedule that most families maintain and a well-balanced diet and exercise may get short shrift in the grand scheme of things.
Consider however, the possible consequences of childhood obesity. Overweight children and adolescents have an increased frequency of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both risk factors for heart disease. Type 2 diabetes has traditionally been considered an adult disease but has increased dramatically in recent years among children. This type of diabetes is closely linked to being overweight or obese.
Children themselves report that the most immediate
ramification of being overweight is social discrimination. This can
lead to low self-esteem and depression. While promoting healthy behavior,
it is very important that parents aren't judgmental or blaming. A sensitive
approach is the most effective. Above all, let your children know that
they are loved and supported no matter what their weight.
In addition to parents, Adagio Health urges everyone
who cares about children to learn more about this issue and how it can
be remedied. Recently, the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee
listened to testimony from health care professionals about what has
been called “the silent epidemic” of childhood obesity.
Stuck by the seriousness and urgency of the problem, legislators promised
to give consideration to legislation and initiatives to address the
nutritional health of our young people. We applaud them for this first
step and hope that our legislators, educators and health care providers
will continue their commitment to eradicating this public health crisis.
For more information about childhood obesity and what parents can do to help their children, see these resources.
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