CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Childhood Obesity

The BMI as a calculation, and the widely accepted guidelines that accompany it, come with considerable controversy. For example, 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. (Barlow, Dietz, 1998)

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 (Flegal, et. al, 2002). 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. (Cole, et. al, 2000)

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, some of them are:

Hypertension

The increase in triglycerides (blood fat), thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Diabetes

Joint problems (knees, for example) that may limit sports activities

The sleep apnea syndrome (for severely obese children), boils down to poor sleep and daytime sleepiness, which can lead to problems of education by reducing the capacity of memory and attention

Some studies have shown a link between obesity and some forms of cancer.

Although a human being cannot change genetics, but some work can be done to change risk factors for childhood obesity (Ogden, et. al, 2002).

According to a recent study, there is a steady decline in the quality of the diet of children and adolescents as they get older. This is one of several factors contributing to the increase of obesity in children. Indeed, simple changes in diet make a big difference (Baak, et. ...