Details of Child, Adolescent & Teenage
Weight Problems
Overweight in Children and Teenagers
The Problem of Overweight in Children
and Teenagers
- In 1999, 13% of children aged 6 to 11
years and 14% of teenagers aged 12 to 19 years in the United States
were overweight.
- This prevalence has nearly tripled for
teenagers in the past 2 decades.
- Risk factors for heart disease, such
as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency
in overweight children and teenagers compared to children with a healthy
weight.
- Type 2 diabetes, previously considered
an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and teenagers.
Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes.
- Overweight teenagers have a 70% chance
of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one
or more parent is overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adults are
at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, type
2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer.
- The most immediate consequence of overweight
as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This
is associated with poor self-esteem and depression
Causes of Overweight in Children and Teenagers
Overweight in children and teenagers is
generally caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns,
or a combination of the two, with genetics and lifestyle both playing
important roles in determining a child's weight.
- Our society has become very sedentary.
Television, computer and video games contribute to children's inactive
lifestyles.
- 43% of teenagers watch more than 2 hours
of television a day.
- Children, especially girls, become less
active as they move through adolescence.
Determination of Overweight in Children
and Teenagers
Doctors and other health care professionals
are the best people to determine whether your child or teenager's weight
is healthy, and they can help rule out rare medical problems as the cause
of unhealthy weight.
- A child's Body Mass Index (BMI) can
be calculated from measurements of height and weight. Health professionals
often use a BMI "growth chart" to help them assess whether
a child or teenagers is overweight.
- A physician will also consider your
child or teenager's age and growth patterns to determine whether his
or her weight is healthy.
For more, see Weight
Control for Children
Source: US Surgeon General.
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