Childhood Obesity
Created by: stephani
Background Facts:
-It affects their emotional and social self-esteem as they grow up.
-It is very dangerous because it creates a pathway to a future of diseases like: diabetes, High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems. etc.
The merriam-webster definition of Obesity: a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body.
-"Approximately nine million children over the age of six are already considered obese."
- Childhood obesity in a child will lead to lower self-esteem because our society today is more focused in a smaller body type, causing self-shame.
Citiations: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/105/1/e15.short
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/symptoms/con-20027428
Koplan, Jeffrey, Catharyn T. Liverman, and Vivica I. Kraak. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance. Washington, D.C.: National Academies, 2005. Print. (https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sLtDWbrLgm4C&oi=fnd&pg=PA1989&dq=facts+of+childhood+obesity&ots=wtATLSBFxk&sig=d8FKPDqmb20UPBNWrUWY0x78TNE#v=onepage&q=facts%20of%20childhood%20obesity&f=false)
Causes that lead to obesity:
-"new research shows that American children are snacking more than ever before -- sometimes almost continuously throughout the day -- accounting for up to 27% of their daily caloric intake. "
The lack of exercise is also a factor the this problem. Times have changed, with the innovations of technology more children prefer to play video games. It reduces the physical activity causing the burning of less calories in their system.
Environment at home. Many parents are not smart shoppers or cooks. Mistakes happen but denying a child with a healthy and balanced diet leads to obesity. Many have junk food in their cabinets and fridge, a easier access to kids to snack on.
Genetics. Children who have parents who are quite large and obese may inherit those characteristics. Making them predisposed to that condition, especially if a healthy life is not encouraged at an early age.
Psychological Factors. Some children may find relief in food, they may think it is a coping mechanism for family, emotional, social issues in their lives.
Cite: http://www.parenting.com/health-guide/childhood-obesity/causes
Obesity lowers life span. It attracts many chronic diseases!
Risk and consequences of Obesity:
-hypertension (high blood pressure)
-type 2 diabetes
-heart diseases because the heart works harder to pump blood throughout the body
-osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilages in the joints because of too much weight)
-Low quality of life. not able to do many things like run, be flexible, etc.
-Cancers. Obese people are more prone to cancers.
-Sleep apnea and breathing problems. The lungs have a harder time expanding when there is a lot of fat around the abdominal area.
-"This observation is consonant with mortality data, suggesting that being overweight during early adult life is more dangerous than a similar degree of overweight in later adult life."
cite: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/
"Health Implications of Overweight and Obesity in the United States." Health Implications of Overweight and Obesity in the United States. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. (http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=700201)
Diagnosis
"Although 25 to 30 percent of children are affected, this condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. "
"your child’s pediatrician will also consider your child's growth and development, your family's history of obesity and weight-related health problems -- such as diabetes -- as well as your child's eating habits, calorie intake, activity level, and overall health when diagnosing childhood obesity." -Parents.org
Doctors will reference the BMI, body mass index percentile to determine if child is obese for their height and age. They will take in the factors of their lifestyle, nutrition, and past illnesses that run in the family.
- Between 85th and 94th percentiles — overweight
- 95th percentile or above — obese
- More than 1.2 times the 95th percentile — extremely obese
-" All Obese children should be screened for cardiac risk factors, as well as for possible orthopedic, dermatologic and psychiatric sequelae."
citations.
"Moran R." Evaluation and Treatment of Childhood Obesity. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015.-http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/10068710
Treatment:
-lifestyle interventions. (changing habits and routines)
-Medications to help control appetite, decrease body fat, to increase metabolism
-bariatric surgery . Surgically removing the fat in a person.
Counseling for families are also a good idea because it helps with lifestyle interventions and how to change their wrongdoings and promote healthier habits.
"The main goal of the treatment should be to encourage the child and his family to have healthy lifestyle. "
Alimentary and behavioural history is the start of beginning therapy. The strategy/goal for this therapy is to improve and encourage 1) attitudes of parents; 2) physical activity; 3) energy intake.
cite: "Treatment of Childhood Obesity : Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity." LWW. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015.(http://journals.lww.com/co-endocrinology/Abstract/2008/02000/Treatment_of_childhood_obesity.6.aspx)
"Trifirò G." [Treatment of Childhood Obesity]. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015.(http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/14608270)
Prevention:
Some ways that you can prevent obesity are:
1) encourage and provide a healthy meal: Promote a serving a well balanced plate, plenty of veggies and fruits, lean meats, dairy, less sugar in their diet. Reference: Myplate.gov
2) remove temptations: Be a smart shopper, buy less junk food and more green leafy veggies. It will promote a healthier diet and avoid temptations to eat sugar and fatty food.
3) Encourage exercise: limit a child's time indoors and playing video games. go for a walk, walk the dog, play a sport,etc.
4) Schedule regular healthy wellness and health exams for the child.
5) make sure that they get enough sleep every night. School children need about 10 hours of sleep every night.
6) Watch and limit their portion size and cook food at home. Many families are lazy and order take out very often. Junk food promotes weight gain!