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Overweight
in Children and Teenagers
The Problem
of Overweight in Children and Teenagers
- In 1999,
13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of teenagers aged 12 to 19
years in the United States were overweight.
- This prevalence
has nearly tripled for teenagers in the past 2 decades.
- Risk factors
for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure,
occur with increased frequency in overweight children and teenagers
compared to children with a healthy weight.
- Type 2
diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically
in children and teenagers. Overweight and obesity are closely linked
to type 2 diabetes.
- Overweight
teenagers have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
This increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese.
Overweight or obese adults are at risk for a number of health problems
including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some
forms of cancer.
- The most
immediate consequence of overweight as perceived by the children themselves
is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and
depression
Causes of
Overweight in Children and Teenagers
Overweight
in children and teenagers is generally caused by lack of physical activity,
unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of the two, with genetics
and lifestyle both playing important roles in determining a child's weight.
- Our society
has become very sedentary. Television, computer and video games contribute
to children's inactive lifestyles.
- 43% of
teenagers watch more than 2 hours of television a day.
- Children,
especially girls, become less active as they move through adolescence.
Determination
of Overweight in Children and Teenagers
Doctors and
other health care professionals are the best people to determine whether
your child or teenager's weight is healthy, and they can help rule out
rare medical problems as the cause of unhealthy weight.
- A child's
Body Mass Index (BMI) can be calculated from measurements of height
and weight. Health professionals often use a BMI "growth chart"
to help them assess whether a child or teenagers is overweight.
- A physician
will also consider your child or teenager's age and growth patterns
to determine whether his or her weight is healthy.
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