OBESITY

The recent media rush to inform us that our youth are overweight is new, but the problem is not. Weight gain, simply put, happens when the calories eaten exceed the calories burned.

At each physical for your child, from the ages of 2 years to 21 years, we calculate their BMI or body mass index from their height and weight. For children and adolescents, ages 2 to 18, that number is plotted on a graph, which is gender –specific. There are percentages which compare the child to a range of BMI’s. To be in the healthy range, that percentage should be between the 25^th and 85^th percentile. For adults the BMI is used as a straight number and should be about 22-24.Overweight or obese children and adolescents are at risk for many health problems. Some of these are asthma, sleep apnea, skin infections, joint pain, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes. These conditions can have serious long-term health effects and may require ongoing medical treatment and management.

In addition, there is research showing that obese children have lower self-esteem and self-confidence than their thinner peers, which can lead to poor academic performance, fewer friends, and depression.

From parents, we often hear "she eats healthily" or "what else can we do since we already schedule sports, dance, karate etc. and there still is homework."

Lifestyles today often contribute to weight gain. First, many young students do not eat a healthy breakfast, if they eat one at all. Second, sports programs often schedule practice or games during the dinner hour, so students eat both before and after and/or eat quickly from fast food restaurants. Third, there is little fiber in the diets of students. Finally, TV, computer, and winter contribute to sedentary lifestyle.

What you can do is pay attention to what is really in the family’s diet—and be a model for your children. You can also walk—to school, to town, before or after dinner, even if it’s around the block.

Nothing is perfect when it comes to weight and we are aware and concerned about body image. Small changes in diet and exercise produce positive results that have lifelong benefits.

Partially adapted from AAP's Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Overweight and Obesity



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