Childhood Obesity

By: Lauren Veicht

Statistics
According to the University of Michigan, in the years 2003-2004, 17.1% of children and teens, aged 2-19 years were overweight. Between 1980 and 2000 obesity rates doubled among children and tripled among teens

Chart of Obesity

Health Risks
pre-diabetes and diabetes heart disease high blood pressure Hyperlipidemia (too much fat in blood) Sleep apnea gastro-intestinal diseases psychological problems

Environmental Controls
Researchers hypothesize that in utero or newborn exposure to chemicals such as chemicals in a childs baby bottle may damage the bodys weight-control mechanisms and lead to obesity. Parent/ playmate that constantly is eating or is eating poor foods plays a part.

Media
A common stereotype is the obese character that has a warm and dependable personality, but equally common is the obese vicious bully. Examples include:
Eric Cartman (South Park) Dudley Dursley (Harry Potter) Nelson Muntz (Simpsons)

Sleep Deprivation
Children who get less than nine hours of sleep a night are more likely to be overweight or obese. Sleep-deprived kids also have more than a 3 percent increase in body fat on average compared to children who sleep for more than nine hours nightly. Children are more apt to gain weight on weekends and summer breaks.

School Menus
The majority of elementary and high schools offer high cholesterol and sugar filled foods available to all of their students on a daily basis. Children do not have the self-control to eat a balanced diet, they have to be disciplined.

Psychological/Physiological
Excessive dieting can include delayed linear growth. Teenagers who put themselves in too low of a calorie deficient end up putting their bodies into starvation mode.

Vicious Cycle of Obesity

What Can Be Done?

Parents need to regulate childrens calorie intake, promote exercising habits, and sleep schedules. Schools need to change their menus to accommodate their students to promote a healthier lifestyle. Never use food as a reward for a child.

Works Cited:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/childhoodobesity/DS00698/DSECTION=a ll& METHOD=print http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09317.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4267949.stm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_59561.html http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/05/health/printable591325.shtml http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/442892_4 http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm