Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic. It is estimated that 80% of obese children will be obese when they become 25.
Along with an increase risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension; children can have strokes (yes, Virginia, children can have strokes too, and are at increased risk if overweight). These children are also more likely to complain of bone and joint pain due to the increased weight placed on their skeletal structure. Osteoarthritis is likely.
More and more is also being learned about the stigmatization of overweight and obese children. They are more likely to be the victims of bullying, left on the outside of social circles, and thought of as lazy and slovenly. The resultant low esteem follows the child into adulthood, with all the associated behaviors which result from low ego strength.
Although one of the goals established by our government for 2010 is to reduce obesity, the numbers are telling a different story.
Definition of Overweight and Obese in Adults
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.
• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
See the following table for an example.
It is important to remember that although BMI correlates with the amount of body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat. To calculate your own BMI, go to the following site:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm
Other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include measurements of skin-fold thickness and waist circumference, calculation of waist-to-hip circumference ratios, and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Definitions for Children and Teens
For children and teens, BMI ranges above a normal weight have different labels (at risk of overweight and overweight). Additionally, BMI ranges for children and teens are defined so that they take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages.
Contributing Factors
The reason people are overweight or obese is simple; they have an energy imbalance. Energy imbalance can be further simplified by stating it is a situation where the person takes in too many calories, and doesn’t expend enough. They eat too much, and exercise too little.
Weight Gain:
Calories Consumed > Calories Used
Weight Loss:
Calories Consumed < Calories Used
No Weight Change:
Calories Consumed = Calories Used
Change is Urgent
It is obvious that chance is needed. American children and adults can no longer weight for the government to regulate fast foods and processed foods. They can not wait until the government institutes physical activity back into school programs. The time for action is now, and rests with the individual. They must push themselves away from the table before they feel full (and in the case of children, the adults must see that this action occurs). They must start exercising more, and this exercise does not have to occur in the gym, but throughout one’s daily activities. Walking is a good place to start.
Not only is the individual’s emotional and physical health being compromised; but the costs to every citizen are increasing as a result of obesity. According to The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, the cost of obesity in the United States in 2000 was more than $117 billion ($61 billion direct and $56 billion indirect).
The situation is not hopeless. If everyone would start slowly, progress would be seen over time. For instance, consumed 100 less food calories a day than burned, you’ll lose about 1 pound in a month. That’s about 10 pounds in a year. That 100 calories is less than a half a can of soda a day. The bottom line is that to lose weight, it’s important to reduce calories and increase physical activity.
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