Title: The Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
1The Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its
Consequences
- Joseph Nadglowski, Jr.
- Obesity Action Coalition
2Definitions
Overweight or Obese with Children?
- Overweight and obese are used
interchangeably. The Centers for Disease Control
prefers the term overweight, while mass media
often utilizes the term obese when referring to
children. - A child is defined as overweight if their body
mass index-for-age (or BMI-for-age) percentile is
greater than 95 percent. A child is defined as
at risk of overweight if their BMI-for-age
percentile is greater than 85 percent and less
than 95 percent.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
3BMI-for-Age Percentile
What is BMI-for-Age Percentile?
- Obesity in children is determined by using
BMI-for-age percentiles. - BMI-for-age percentiles have emerged as the
favored method to measure weight status in
children. - This method calculates a childs weight category
based on age and BMI, which is a calculation of
weight and height.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
4Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
Various Levels of BMI-for-Age Percentiles
Translated
5BMI-for-age Percentile Chart for Boys
6BMI-for-age Percentile Chart for Girls
7Childhood Obesity Is it a Problem?
- Childhood obesity affects more than 30 percent of
children, making it the most common chronic
disease of childhood. - 10.9 of kids are above 97th percentile in
BMI-for-Age. - 15.5 of kids are above 95th percentile in
BMI-for-age. - 30.1 of kids are above 85th percentile in
BMI-for-age.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
8Childhood Obesity Is it a Problem? (Cont.)
- Only 50 percent of children, 12 to 21 years of
age, regularly participate in rigorous physical
activity, while 25 percent of children report no
physical activity. - In fact, one just-published study shows by the
age of 15 only 31 of children were meeting
recommended physical activity standards during
the week and only 17 on weekends.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
9Causes of Childhood Obesity
Although the causes of childhood obesity are
widespread, certain factors are targeted as major
contributors. Causes include
Environment Lack of physical activity
Heredity and family Dietary patterns
Socioeconomic status
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
10Etiology of Obesity Complex Interrelated Factors
The ideal approach to obesity control will
address all factors.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
1Thomas PR, ed. Weighing the Options. Wash DC
Natl Acad Press 19952. 2Williamson DF. N Engl
J Med. 19993411140. 3Koplan JP, Dietz WH.
JAMA. 19992821579.
11Impact of Childhood Obesity
- Development of co-morbid conditions at a young
age, such as Type 2 Diabetes - Future work force will face tougher obstacles
related to health and productivity - Decreased quality of childhood and adolescence
- Rising costs to U.S. healthcare system
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
12Childhood Obesity-Related Illnesses
- Type 2 DiabetesUtilization of Drugs in Children
to treat has increased 151 over last 7 years. - HypertensionUtilization of Drugs in Children to
treat has increased 18 over last 7 years. - Acid RefluxUtilization of Drugs in Children to
treat has increased 137 over last 7 years. - High CholesterolUtilization of Drugs in Children
to treat has increased 12 over last 7 years.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
13Childhood Obesity Stigma
Stigma refers to weight-related attitudes and
beliefs that are expressed as stereotypes,
rejection and prejudice toward children and
adolescents because of their weight. This may
include
- Verbal Teasing (name calling, derogatory remarks)
- Physical Bullying (hitting, kicking, pushing,
shoving) - Social Exclusion (being ignored or avoided,
excluded from peer activities or the target of
rumors)
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
14Consequences of Stigma
- Obese children are less likely to be accepted to
college, despite equivalent application rates and
academic achievement. - Victims of Weight Stigma are more likely to
engage in unhealthy weight control practices.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
15Two Points for your Consideration
- No child should be blamed or stigmatized for
their weight. Personal responsibility and/or the
perception of a personal failing must be
eliminated. - 2. The average American is unable to take their
child to their pediatrician to discuss their
weight and such a visit be covered under
insurance. We need to find a way to incentivize
insurers and employers to make this type of
wellness benefit available.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
16Sample Insurance Policy
Are We Taking this Problem Seriously?
Weight control services including surgical
procedures, medical treatments, weight/loss
programs dietary regimens and supplements,
appetite suppressants and other medications food
or food supplements, exercise programs, exercise
or other equipment and other services and
supplies that are primarily intended to control
weight or treat obesity, including morbid
obesity, or for the purpose of weight reduction,
regardless of the existence of co-morbid
conditions are excluded.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences
17Contact Information
Obesity Action Coalition4511 North Himes Ave.,
Ste. 250Tampa, Fl 33614(800) 717-3117info_at_obesi
tyaction.orgwww.obesityaction.org
Childhood Obesity Epidemic and Its Consequences