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Why Are We Hearing So Much About Overweight and Obesity in Children?

First, doctors are becoming more aware of the serious health problems related to childhood obesity and secondly, the percentage of seriously overweight children and adolescents has more than doubled in the past 25 years. Specifically, according to the Center for Disease Control, the United States percentage of overweight children aged 6 to 19 tripled from 1980 to 2002. One out of ten children aged 2 to 5 as well as 16 % of those ages 6 to 19 are overweight.

How is Overweight and Obesity Measured?

The most widely used measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI.) The weight of a child is divided by his or her height squared. The number allows us to see how heavy a child is for his or her height. Although other variables may come into play in this equation, it is a fairly accurate means of determining whether a child has a BMI that is too high.

What Are the Consequences of Obesity in Children?

Diseases that typically afflict adults such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (blockage of the arteries) are now being seen in overweight children and adolescents as well as adults. Obese adolescents are at increased risk for type II diabetes, a disease not usually seen until middle age. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Health site other diseases prevalent to obesity in children. They include: asthma, liver conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood cholesterol, stroke, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease and some forms of cancer (uterine, breast, colorectal, kidney and gallbladder.) Their finings in adolescents include menstrual irregularities, stress incontinence, psychological disturbances such as depression and increased surgical risk.

How Can I Help My Overweight Child?

• Be Supportive. Overweight children most likely are aware that they have a weight problem. They need understanding and support from their parents. Make sure your child knows that he or she is loved and accepted at any weight.
• Encourage healthy eating habits. Never use the word diet, that sets the assumption for the child that he or she is fat and besides, being "on a diet" sets a child up to feel like a failure when they deviate from the diet and "go off the diet." A better way to approach the subject is to say, "We are eating more healthy foods." Buy and serve more fresh fruits and vegetables as well fewer soft drinks, chips, cookies and candy. Plan on eating healthy meals as a family and set an example by what you eat. Eating together helps your child learn what to eat. Eat fast food less often. Cut portion sizes and wait for your child to ask for more.
• Encourage daily physical activity. Just as in eating together, you, as a parent need to be a positive example. Exercise together and make it fun, not work! Children learn from what they see. Go biking, roller blade, plan trips to park or zoo that involve walking. Activities should. be fun like jumping rope, playing hopscotch or bouncing a ball. Assign calories burning chores like vacuuming.
• Do not encourage pastimes that are inactive. Set limits on television watching time and playing video games. Encourage your children to take dance lessons, karate, join a sports team or spend a few hours at the batting cages as opposed to sitting in front of the television. It is well documented that children spend a great deal of time watching TV are more likely to be obese.
• Be a role model. Children are easily taught and learn most especially by what they see, so teach them well by being a positive role model. If you choose healthy foods for yourself, stay active and exercise, your children will follow your example. Eat healthy meals together with your children and encourage them to join you in fun family activities.
• Seek professional help and guidance. Some online resources that provide healthy eating and physical activity tips for children and their parents are: www.kidnetic.com, www.KidsHealth.org, www.bam.gov, and www.verbnow.com are just a few. When in doubt, turn to your health care provider or pediatrician.

Physical activity and healthy eating habits are the keys to your child's over-all health and well-being. The good news is that it is neither too early nor too late to help your child learn to incorporate healthy eating habits and physical activity into their lives and establish habits that will follow them into adulthood and last them a lifetime.

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Copyright © 2006-2007, Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. and Fran Perel. All rights reserved. Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. teaches Pilates in its original form and is the first studio in the country to be certified an Original Pilates® studio by Mary Pilates, niece of Joseph H. Pilates. Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. is dedicated to preserving the original teachings and legacy of Joseph H. Pilates. Fran Perel has been trained and certified as an Original Pilates® instructor by Mary Pilates. Pilatesculpt® is an original form of exercise created by Fran Perel as well as recognized and trademarked by the United States Federal Government. Pilatesculpt® combines Original Pilates® with Body Sculpting for maximum results. All Original Pilates® certificates and trademarks are available on this website. See content to view. All Pilates articles and Pilates information are © copyright Fran Perel and Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. and are not available for reprint without permission.

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