Childhood obesity

Overview

Childhood obesity occurs when a child’s weight exceeds what is considered healthy for their age and height. With this condition, both adolescents and children are susceptible to health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Adult BMI factors are not the same for children. Since children’s body compositions change as they get older, BMI is specific to both age and gender. A child is considered obese medically if their body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile.

Childhood obesity can lead to poor self-esteem and unhappiness. Preventing and treating childhood obesity contributes to the long-term health of the child. Improving the family’s food and exercise habits is one of the best ways to combat childhood obesity.

Symptoms

The standard indicator of overweight and obesity is the body mass index (BMI), which gives a weight-to-height ratio. Children typically have varying levels of body fat depending on their developmental stage. Some kids may also have bodies that are larger than typical.

Not every child that carries extra weight is obese. However, in determining whether their weight could be a health risk, or if additional tests are needed, growth charts and the BMI can be helpful.

To assist in determining whether the child’s weight falls within a healthy range or if there is cause for concern, consult a healthcare provider. The consultation usually involves assessing the child’s growth and developmental history, the family’s weight-for-height patterns, and where the child stands on the growth charts.

If attempts to address the child’s weight concerns at home are unsuccessful, reach out to a healthcare provider. A formal treatment program or weight management program may be recommended.

Causes

Childhood obesity is a complex condition influenced by various factors such as genetics, hormonal, socioeconomics and community, and cultural factors.

Generally, for proper growth and development, children require a specific amount of calories. However, when they consume more calories than their body utilizes, the excess calories are stored as fat.

Risk factors

Childhood obesity can impact any child, though it tends to be more prevalent in specific groups. Recent data indicates that the rates of childhood obesity have decreased with higher levels of education among the heads of households.

Risk factors that may contribute to childhood obesity include:

• Family factors: Family behaviors, such as shared eating habits and a lack of physical activity, can play a role in the development of childhood obesity. Children may be more prone to gain weight if they are raised in an overweight family.
• Diet: Busy families are increasingly consuming foods and drinks that are high in fat, sugar, and calories, often lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of high-calorie items and sugar-filled beverages like baked goods, fast food, candies, fruit juices, and sports drinks may contribute to weight gain.
• Insufficient physical activity: Many children are reducing outdoor activities and becoming more sedentary indoors. The rising popularity of video games, tablets, and smartphones may contribute to an even greater number of inactive hours. Children with low levels of physical activity are at a higher risk of weight gain because they do not expend as many calories.
• Psychological factors: Some kids overindulge in food as a coping mechanism for issues or as a way to express emotions like stress or boredom. Stress in the home, on parents, and in the family can raise a child’s risk of obesity.
• Socioeconomic factors: The risk of childhood obesity can be influenced by the child’s residential environment, with factors such as the availability and affordability of healthy food options, the social support system, and the accessibility of recreational facilities or safe spaces for physical activity playing significant roles.
• Certain medications: Prednisone, lithium, amitriptyline, paroxetine, gabapentin, and propranolol are among the prescription medications that may elevate the likelihood of developing obesity.