ADOLESCENT OBESITY

Kristin WileyParents of obese children

Introduction Past 3 decades the number of youth

obese has tripled Today, 12.5 million children and

adolescents are obese (age 2-19)

Why is obesity increasing? Common reason: eating more calories in

food then they burn off in exercise) Increase in “convenience foods” : high in

calories and fat Inactive lifestyle:30 years ago: Kids play outsideToday: Video games, TV, computers Technology Exercise

Immediate Effects Psychological impact of being

overweight is devastating Higher rates of sickness Lower self- esteem Diabetes Decreased social life/ interaction

Long-Term Health Effects Heart problems High blood pressure Higher rates of sickness and death as

an adult Overweight kids are at higher risk than

adults to become obese Stroke Diabetes

Measurement and Identification of Obesity

Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculated by measuring:Proportion of weight to height Calculated same for adults and children Categorized differently (BMI- for- age) http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/ BMI

calculator for children and teens

Example Calculation Johnny is a 11 year old boy, weighs 150

pounds, height: 5’1’’RESULTS:BMI: 28.3 BMI- for –age: 98th percentile for boysObese and likely to have health- related

problems due to weightSee health care professional

Categories of Obesity Class I: BMI of 30-34.9 Class II: BMI of 35-39.9 Class III: BMI 40 or higher*Based on this 1/3 of all Americans are

considered obese

Most Affected? African American girls Non- Hispanic girls Mexican- American boys

Influences and Causes School pressures Family conflict Environmental influences Parents, community, and school CAN

make a difference

Parental Influence Development of a healthy home

environment Quantity of foods they provide Time children eat Amount/ type of food they eat Exercise?!

Parental Influence Continued

Increase in dual- earning families results in:

Less time being activeCooking less nutritious foods

Allowing increased computer and TV time

Community Influences First social group youth encounter

beyond family Promote active lifestyles:Encourage more walking

More green spaceIncreased recreational activitiesLimit number of fast food options

School Influence Continuous, intense contact with

children Positive impact by promoting: Physical activityProviding foodsEducating children on nutrition

Obesity effects on school Hunger, inadequate nutrition: cognitive functioningAcademic achievement

Intervention Earlier treatment, Higher success rates Treatment to kids 10-14 (highest

success rate):They can grasp basis nutritionHighest number to become “healthy, and

stay healthy”

Prevention Many… school based Healthy living curricula Changes in physical education Changes in food service Parent/ family changes

Treatment Medical Educational School- based Family- based**Research indicates most successful and

long term

Recommendations for Families Turn off the TV More vegetables during dinner Get off the bus earlier and walk Smaller portion, skip dessert Walks after dinner Involve kids in grocery shopping and

cooking Family goals: healthy eating 4x’s a week

Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/

facts.htm http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy932 http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/facts.ht

ml http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/