by Stacey Schifferdecker
Childhood obesity is becoming ever more a problem not only in the United States but also in Europe and other developed countries as well. In the United States, experts estimate between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese, which means their weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for the height and body type. The statistics are just as alarming in other countries:
- From 1985 to 1995, the number of overweight and obese children in Australia more than doubled.
- Ten percent of six year olds in England are obese. If the current trend continues, half the children in England will be obese by 2020.
- 22 million of the 75 million children in the European Union are overweight. 5.1 million of these overweight children are obese.
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Bone and joint problems
- Asthma
And this is just the physical effects of obesity. Obesity is also linked to psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, obese children tend to do more poorly in school and to miss more school.
Normal, Overweight, or Obese?
- Divide your child’s weight (in pounds) by their height (in inches) squared.
- Look at a BMI-for-age chart and see where your child lands on the chart in comparison to other children of the same age and gender.
80 percent of obese kids remain obese as adults. Give your child the best chance for a long and healthy life by identifying and tackling any obesity problems early in life.
How do I know if my child is overweight or obese?
A helpful starting point is checking your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares weight to height. Divide your child’s weight in pounds by their height in inches squared, then look at a BMI-for-age chart from the CDC. Children at the 95th percentile or above are considered obese; those between the 85th and 95th percentile are at risk. That said, BMI is just one indicator — growth spurts and muscle mass can affect it, so a doctor visit is important if you have concerns.
What health problems can childhood obesity cause?
Obesity puts children at risk for serious conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, bone and joint problems, heart attack, and stroke. Beyond the physical, obese children are also more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and lower school performance. Obese children are two to three times more likely to be hospitalized than normal-weight children.
Why is it so important to address childhood obesity early?
Research shows that 80 percent of obese children remain obese as adults, which dramatically increases the risk of lifelong health problems. Acting early — when habits are still forming — gives children their best chance at a healthy life. Identifying the issue before it becomes entrenched, and making gradual family-wide changes, is far more effective than trying to reverse long-established patterns later.
What should I do if I think my child may be obese?
Start by talking to your child’s doctor rather than making judgments based on appearance alone. A doctor can perform proper testing, confirm whether weight is a genuine concern versus a growth-spurt phase, and provide practical nutrition and exercise guidance. Going in as a family — making healthy changes together rather than singling out your child — is the most effective and least damaging approach.
