Childhood Obesity

Articles

Jul 1

In July, we aim to help individuals take the time to understand the implications and effects on a child's health due to obesity — and how to be active in your child’s health life with tips for their diet and physical health. Because 1 in 5 children fall into the percentile that is classified as obese it’s important we make an effort to understand how this occurs so you are able to help prevent childhood obesity in your family. A healthy weight ensures overall better body and brain function to promote learning and so much more.

Childhood Obesity in the US

From the years 2017-2020 childhood obesity affected about 14.7 million adolescents — it is the most common disease amongst young people. Figuring out a healthy weight for your child is determined by the BMI (or body mass index) that is standard for other children with similar physical development within a similar age group. Of course, genetics, mental health, and other economic factors also affect a child’s weight loss or gain, so it’s important to consider the other factors that could impact a child’s health. Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds (CDC).

Identifying Childhood Obesity

Identifying your child's BMI is only one mode of figuring out if your child is in a healthy weight range. Doctors will also use a child’s age to determine if they are in range to be in the healthy percentile. Higher rates of childhood obesity also mean a higher risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, sleep apnea, and other illnesses.

If you feel your child is at risk of being overweight, talk to your healthcare provider to find the best path forward toward the best health for your child.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

There are many factors that can contribute to a child’s weight gain. It’s important to consider all of these factors when assessing and creating a care plan for a child to find their version of a healthier balance.

Socioeconomic factors: Children coming from lower-income families may not have the same access to healthy foods, especially with food prices going up in recent times. People in lower-income areas may also have less access to grocery stores or have less time to cook in general. Also, not everyone has access to a gym, track, or workout equipment where they live without it costing them extra.
Genetics: Genetic predisposition to ailments that may cause you to gain weight can be the first thing to consider when thinking of a child's health. It’s estimated that 5-25% of young ones affected by weight gain are influenced by existing hereditary conditions.
Diet: Of course, if a child is eating a lot of high sugar and calorie-dense/nutrient-lacking foods, they have a higher likelihood of gaining weight, but as aforementioned, having unhealthy foods in the home can also be a result of socioeconomic status or a lower-income household.
Psychological factors: Stress at home in a variety of ways, as well as mental health condition are major factors that can influence a child's eating habits.

Preventing Childhood Obesity

Healthy Foods

Making sure to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains, and sticking with a low sugar/dairy is a healthy diet for us all apart from specific dietary concerns. Parents should strive to serve meals that encompass all food groups and help create healthy environments for young ones to develop healthy eating habits. In 2017 a study was done that showed only 2% of students at that school were eating enough vegetables and only 7% were getting enough fruit (CDC). It takes time to develop healthy eating habits and it’s important for us to learn those things while young so we can continue to have healthy habits in the future.

Sugary Foods

Many of us have far too much sugar incorporated into our daily eating habits. We don’t realize we should have less sugar overall so our levels are spiking all the time and that certainly can affect our weight. Teaching young ones that they should have less sugar throughout their day and incorporate alternatives will help them not crave or depend on it.

Staying Active

Exercise is a key component in regulating your heart rate and reduces the likelihood of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, cancer, and mental health issues. Staying active also helps improve bone strength for a more resilient body over time. Studies have shown that children should have at least 60 minutes of exercise each day for a healthier life.

Reducing Screen Time

Adults and children spend at least 7 hours every day being inactive, and that doesn’t include sleeping! These hours include time spent on the computer, on the phone, watching TV, or playing video games. Having boundaries around how much time you spend on your phone and having time when the family has “no phones” will create healthy screen time limits.

Occupational Therapy and Childhood Obesity

Occupational Therapists work with children to help develop good habits, self-care routines, and so much more. Children with developmental disabilities often face the more difficult task of getting adequate exercise or having access to the same opportunities for activity as others. If you are seeking assistance to create a healthy way to engage weight with your child at home, our Occupational Therapists can help! Play is an integral part of learning — and kids can have fun while learning, growing, and reaching their maximum level of independence.

Physical Therapy and Childhood Obesity

Inactivity can be a result of many different circumstances, but when it comes to mobility, a Physical Therapist can work with children in their natural environment to help them get adequate exercise. The PT team at Tilton’s Therapy may work in conjunction with Occupational or Speech Therapists to achieve the most success, depending on the individual’s goals.