CHILDHOOD OBESITY

childhood obesity

childhood obesity

Introduction

Childhood obesity is not a new problem, but it certainly is a growing one. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed countries. More than twenty five percent of children are overweight and 11% are obese. Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have significant impact on both physical and psychological health. The mechanism of obesity development is not fully understood and it is believed to be a disorder with multiple causes. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment play pivotal roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. In general, overweight and obesity are assumed to be the results of an increase in caloric and fat intake. On the other hand, there are supporting evidence that excessive sugar intake by soft drink, increased portion size, and steady decline in physical activity have been playing major roles in the rising rates of obesity all around the world. Consequently, both over-consumption of calories and reduced physical activity are involved in childhood obesity (Katzmarzyk, 2004).

Discussion

Although the mechanism of obesity development is not fully understood, it is confirmed that obesity occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. There are multiple etiologies for this imbalance, hence, and the rising prevalence of obesity cannot be addressed by a single etiology. Genetic factors influence the susceptibility of a given child to an obesity-conducive environment. However, environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment seem to play major roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. In a small number of cases, childhood obesity is due to genes such as leptin deficiency or medical causes such as hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency or side effects due to drugs (e.g. - steroids). Most of the time, however, personal lifestyle choices and cultural environment significantly influence obesity. We cannot change our genes - although there are studies being conducted where researchers are looking into this possibility, something that is still many years away into the future - but we can definitely eat better and exercise more. Parents have a big responsibility when it comes to preventing obesity in their children, as with so many other issues. Children's perceptions are influenced by the views of their parents and peers, and good parents lead by being good examples (Katzmarzyk, 2004).

Paediatricians evaluate children's growth and build by means of standardized growth charts and body mass index (BMI). Children with weight far above the 95th percentile are examined with special concern. Body mass index is a calculation of your child's weight relative to height. A BMI over the 85th percentile indicates overweight and above the 95th percentile, severely overweight. Some doctors also use skin fold callipers to determine if a child is carrying too much fat. This is an instrument that looks like a pair of spring-loaded tongs. It gently pinches the flesh on the trunk and the back of the upper arm. The results, based on the resistance to the pressure exerted by the callipers, indicate how much fat lies directly under the skin (Law, ...