Obesity
Approximately 30 percent of children and teens in the U.S. these days are overweight and 15 percent are obese. Excess weight interferes with proper growth of leg and hip bones, creating both immediate and lifelong problems. Troubling problems associated with overweight and obesity also include diabetes, sleep apnea, and elevated blood pressure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises physicians that it is essential to monitor patients throughout their childhood and to counsel parents and caregivers to help prevent severe overweight and obesity in children. Their recommendation is as follows:
A child’s health care provider should routinely assess eating and activity patterns, recognize excessive weight gain relative to linear growth (height), and discuss related topics with the child’s family.
Children’s body mass calculations need to be accurate and related to their growth charts. A visit to a health care provider will provide you with the most reliable information, but the calculator at the following web site, developed by a pediatrician, can help you see if your child is at risk of being overweight: http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/bmicalculator.html
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Nutrition. Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity (policy statement). Pediatrics. Aug 2, 2003;112(2);424-430. Available on the Internet at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org. Accessed July 23, 2004.
American Obesity Association. Obesity in Youth (fact sheet). Available on the Internet at http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_youth.shtml. Accessed July 23, 2004.
Iannelli V. BMI Calculator. Available on the Internet at http://www.keepkidshealthy.com. Accessed July 23, 2004.
