CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Childhood Obesity



CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Introduction

Obesity in children is a growing global problem. The problem has become so alarming that several international organizations studying the issue very seriously, including the World Health Organization. According to this, measures must be taken immediately to combat this epidemic problem and its impact. In Canada, the number of overweight children is growing. Between 1981 and 1996, the percentage of overweight boys increased by 92% and girls increased by 57%. In Quebec, it has been estimated that between 10% and 15% of children are obese. In addition to these physical problems, overweight children are often rejected from other children and are more likely to have poor self-esteem. In 2003 and 2004, 17.1% of U.S. children and adolescents were overweight and 32.2% of adults were obese. In the 1990s, the guidelines used to determine overweight and obese individuals was adjusted downward to include those with a BMI of 25-26; no adjustment is made for lean muscle mass. Obesity is often defined as being 20 percent over the midpoint of one's accepted weight range (using the height weight charts) or above 30 on the BMI. Morbid obesity is defined as weighing almost twice the weight the chart says they should, or above 35 on the BMI.

If the child is the 60th percentile, this result means that 60% of children of similar age and sex have a lower body mass index. Furthermore, BMI is not a perfect measure and should be used in conjunction with other assessment measures such as the skin fold, the level of physical activity, diet and blood pressure. In Western countries, however, the canon of fashion holds that "thin is beautiful" and the great social pressure toward overweight people has led to a huge industry for slimming products. Despite this social pressure to be thin, the prevalence of obesity is increasing dramatically. For many families, having a child fat, plump, and full of creases is quite an achievement as it shows a sign that the child is strong and full of health. On the other hand, their perception is wrong as this wellbeing of child can become a basic factor of obesity. (Baak et al, 2003)

Discussion

A child who is overweight will not automatically be obese in adulthood. However, several studies suggest that after the age of 8, there is indeed a link between the child's weight and weight in adulthood. Several health risks are associated with overweight in children which include hypertension, diabetes, joint problems, cardiovascular disease, gallstones, osteoarthritis and sleep apnea syndrome. Some studies have also suggested a link between obesity and forms of cancer. (Ogden et al, 2002)

In addition to these physical problems, overweight children are often rejected from other children and are more likely to have poor self-esteem. The problem mostly affects those who aged 6-13 years, although it affects mostly the males than females with a primary focus in the south than in central and northern regions. Childhood obesity is due to a number of reasons: poor nutrition, genetic predisposition, lifestyle ...