Childhood Obesity
A Guide to Understanding Childhood Obesity for Parents of school age children.
Kevin Hillard
America is becoming more overweight. Childhood obesity is becoming a major
health epidemic.
Childhood Obesity
Excessive accumulation of body fat. Natural energy reserve stored in fatty tissue
exceeds healthy limits. Body fat usually means body weight.
Definition of Childhood Obesity
Calculated using body weight height². BMI Classifications:• BMI Below 18.5 Underweight• BMI 18.5-24.9 Normal• BMI 25-29.9 Overweight• BMI 30 and up Obese
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI Chart
Since 1970, the % of overweight children in the USA has doubled.
Today:• 10% of 2 to 5 year olds are overweight.• 15% of 6 to 19 year olds are overweight.• 33% of children are at risk of becoming
overweight.
Background Information About Childhood Obesity
Prevalence rate of overweight children is increasing.
2 to 5 year olds have a 14% rate. 6 to 11 years old have a 19% rate. 12 to 19 years old have a 17% rate.
Prevalence of Overweight Children
Diet Insufficient physical activity Watching television Sitting on the computer Genetics
Reasons For Childhood Obesity
Thousands feast on junk food & soda daily. Eat ice cream, potato chips, and chocolate
as their breakfast. 33% of children start off their morning with
soft/energy drinks. Over half of children skip breakfast daily.• Skipping breakfast • Overeating later in
day • Weight Gain
Food Choices
Sodium is major cause of childhood obesity. Cutting back on salt = great way to cut
calories. Salty snacks lead to calorie filled sodas. 80% of salt comes from processed food. Fast food is filled with sodium.
A Hidden Cause of Childhood Obesity
Many often suffer from Depression and Anxiety.
• Bullied at school• Made fun of at school• Low self-esteem
Affects Childhood Obesity
Obese children are likely to:• Smoke cigarettes• Drink alcohol• Be inactive
• Low Self-Esteem contributes to all of these unhealthy habits.
Habits Associated with Childhood Obesity
Obese children are at risk for:• High blood pressure• High Cholesterol • Abnormal Blood Lipid Levels• Type II Diabetes• Low Bone Density• Liver and gall bladder issues• Irregular menstrual cycles in females
Health Problems and Diseases
Overweight children can acquire high cholesterol.
In Summary:• High Density Lipoproteins (“Good
Cholesterol”) good for a child’s diet• Low Density Lipoproteins (“Bad
Cholesterol”) not good for a child’s
High Cholesterol & Abnormal Blood Lipid Levels
Extremely common disease in young people.
• Was most common in adults.• Type II Diabetes is known as the “disease of
this generation”.
Type II Diabetes
Symptoms of Type II Diabetes
Being overweight causes bone & joint problems.
Inactivity contributes to these problems. Lack of stress on bones = decrease in bone
density. Increase stress through exercise.
Low Bone Density
Obese children should receive bone density tests.
Bone Density Tests are scored and classified as such:
Bone Density Test
Schools must provide healthy food & drinks. Parents must pack healthy lunches &
snacks. Avoid soda and other sugary drinks. Avoid trans fats. Make simple diet changes (wheat > white
bread) USE THE FOOD PYRAMID!!!
Childhood Obesity Prevention
The New and Improved Food Pyramid:
Food Pyramid (New)
Exercise is a new addition to the food pyramid
Mandatory Physical Education classes.• Fight for more weight training &
cardiovascular exercise in PE.• Encourage children to join health clubs.• Exercise with your kids.
Childhood Obesity Prevention Ctd.
Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic! No short-term cure for childhood obesity! Fighting this disease requires long-term
commitment! Commitment to good nutrition and physical
activity!
Conclusion
Just keep running, it benefits your
health!
As a future Health and Physical Education teacher, my goal is to devote my life to helping children live a healthy lifestyle and continue the fight against childhood obesity. I hope all of you help me in this fight!
Thank you for your time!
My Personal Statement to You