Understanding Childhood Obesity

The prevalence of childhood obesity has been on the rise over the past few decades, and it is a growing concern due to its link to various health issues. According to the CDC, obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and joint problems. In the years 2017 to 2020, obesity impacted about 15 million children and adolescents in the United States, and the number of cases is still growing. Here is a quick look at key causes and risk factors.

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity is defined as an excessive buildup of body fat in children that can create negative impacts on health. This can be determined using the body mass index (BMI), which uses height and weight to calculate if an individual is in a healthy range. A high BMI can indicate high body fat. However, BMI does not take into account muscle mass, so be sure to check with your child’s primary care provider (PCP) to determine if they are in the healthy body fat range.

Causes and Risk Factors

Many factors go into developing childhood obesity. Some factors are controllable, while others are not.

Diet

High-calorie, low-nutrient foods that are high in sugar, processed ingredients, and saturated fats are one of the main causes of obesity. This includes fast food, sugary breakfast cereal, processed juice, and ice cream.

Physical activity

Due to the age of technology, fewer children are playing outside and getting physical activity. At least one hour of physical activity a day is recommended for children. Lack of physical activity increases the risk of childhood obesity.

Socioeconomic status

Many times a child and their family will not have access to nutritional foods due to financial constraints, which can increase the risk of obesity. A community located in a low socioeconomic area may lack parks and gyms where children can get physical activity safely.

Ethnicity

Studies have shown that some ethnic groups are more susceptible to childhood obesity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 26% of Hispanic children are impacted by childhood obesity while about 9% of non-Hispanic Asian children are impacted.

Metabolic factors

Medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight gain.

Genetics

A family history of obesity can increase the risk of childhood obesity. However, not all children with a family history of obesity will develop it if they take proper precautions and avoid risk factors.

Prevention of childhood obesity

While it seems that there are many risk factors and causes for childhood obesity, there are also many ways to prevent it. Promoting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Teaching your child ways to be healthy at a young age can help them keep these healthy habits as they grow older. Regular physical activity – plus a balanced diet that avoids high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that are high in sugar, processed ingredients, and saturated fats – can improve their chances against developing childhood obesity and obesity as they grow up as well.

Does your child have a primary care physician? St. Mary’s pediatricians and family medicine physicians can partner with you to maximize your child’s health and development.

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