OBESITY IN CHILDREN

The Health Risks of Obesity in Children



The Health Risks of Obesity in Children

Introduction

Many leading health officials consider the current epidemic of childhood and adolescent obesity in the United States to be the greatest public health problem facing us today. Obesity is more than being just overweight; it refers to being excessively overweight. Individual's health is determined through his body weight. BMI index helps in dividing the individual's health in categories that include underweight, healthy, over-weight, or obesity (Hedley et al., 2004). In children, risks of morbidity and mortality increases due to overweight and obesity. This also increases the chances of health related diseases in children. Main objective of this report is to examine the health risk of obesity in children. It determines what sort of health related problems may appear in children due to obesity condition.

Statistics on Obesity Prevalence in Children

Currently, 18.8 percent of children (ages six to 11) and 17.4 percent of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) are overweight or obese (CDC, 2012a). This translates into nearly one out of every six young people in the United States, and this number is growing. Comparing these figures with those from the previous generation reveals why so many experts are alarmed. In 1980 the percentage of obese children was 7 percent and the percentage of obese adolescents was 5 percent (CDC, 2012b). In just one generation, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 17% (12.5 million) of children and adolescents are suffering from obesity between the ages of 2-19 years (CDC, 2012b).

CDC has also reported notable ethnic and racial differences in obesity prevalence among U.S. children. CDC highlights that obesity prevalence in Hispanic boys having age between 2 to 20 years was much more than obesity prevalence in non-Hispanic boys (CDC, 2012a). Similarly, non-Hispanic black girls having age between 2 to 19 years between were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls. Figures presented below shows the obesity prevalence among low-income children.

According to government statistics, the obesity rate in America has been stable for about five years, between 2000 and 2008 period. Awareness campaigns and promotion of healthy lifestyles are no doubt responsible (Flegal & Ogden, 2001). However, according to latest statistics, two thirds of adults and almost one third of children are overweight with no significant improvements (CDC, 2012b).

Child Obesity in America 2011-2012

Source: (CDC, 2012b)

Mean Obesity Prevalence

Source: (CDC, 2012b)

Health Risks of Obesity in Children

Problems that were once considered limited to developed or industrialized countries now affect everyone. Because of obesity, the incidence of diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension has increased around the world. Obese individuals are also prone to pulmonary disease, varicose veins, and gallbladder disease. They have an increased risk of breast, uterine, and colon cancers (Hedley et al., 2004).

One of the major concerns for obese children is their appearance. It appears to be a significant concern, but obesity-related problems go beyond appearance. Serious health consequences can result from having too ...