October 2000

Obesity--Number One Nutritional Problem for Kids
Excerpts from 4-C Focus article, by Jan Howe, Consultant, Community Coordinated Care

The number one nutritional problem in the U.S. for children today is obesity because every organ is affected. The greatest cause of childhood obesity is greater calorie intake than energy output or exercise. The keys to prevention are:

• Offer healthy foods
• Serve appropriate serving sizes
• Keep children active

One out of 14 or 11 percent of children are obese in this country. One out of three are overweight. By the government's estimate, some six million American children are overweight enough to endanger their health. And the problem is growing more extreme and widespread. Children seen by doctors today are 30 percent heavier than children referred to doctors in 1990. If a child is overweight at age 12, he has a much greater chance of being overweight as an adult (the likeliness increases with weight).

Obese children may develop the following health problems: gallstones, hepatitis, sleep apnea, orthopedic damage, neurological risk, increased risk of asthma, psoriasis, cardiovaascular disease, Type II diabetes and its complications, such as kidney and eye failure. There is also an increased risk of some forms of cancer. Malnourishment, or inadequate nutrient intake, is also a concern due to high intake of foods low in nutrients.

Overweight children not only suffer from physical problems but there are often social consequences of overweight as well, such as poor body image, low self-esteem.

DPI SUGGESTIONS:

• Limit the time children spend in sedentary activities.
• Set a good example by practicing healthy eating habits and enjoying regular physical activities together.

For questions about this information, contact Amy J. Kolano (608) 266-7124

Last updated on 2/25/2008 11:52:53 AM