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Adolescents & Obesity
Experts are still unable to agree upon the actual definition of childhood obesity. Some define obesity as Body Mass Index (BMI) in excess of the 85th percentile; others may use weight for height percentiles or percentage of ideal body weight. While none of these indexes is 100 percent accurate, the Expert Committee on the Treatment and Prevention of Obesity and the International Task Force on Obesity suggest that BMI is an “accurate and easily available method to screen for childhood obesity.” What has led to this increase and what can be done to control obesity in adolescents are a conundrum. Food preferences developed in childhood remain fairly constant into adulthood. In a society that boasts “super size” meals and spends millions of dollars advertising to youngsters, it can be quite a challenge for a child to develop good eating habits. Adolescents can become overweight as a result of several factors including lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and genetic predisposition, or from a combination of these factors. Adolescents are spending more time in front of the computer or television and less time being physically active. It is clear that this leads to excess weight gain. It is also important to note that this inactivity is compounded by the consumption of high calorie foods while sitting at the computer or watching television. Children are eating more meals away from home and those meals are often high in fat and low in carbohydrates. It is easy for children to consume high fat, calorie-dense foods because many kids are responsible for providing their own meals, especially breakfast and lunch. It would be difficult not to spot a food court in the mall and a fast-food restaurant around every corner. Another trend is the shift from drinking milk to more non-citrus juices, juice drinks and other calorie-dense beverages. Drinking juice is fine. However, drinking juice all day long is not, even if it is 100 percent juice. Excessive juice consumption can lead to tooth decay and, in studies where children consumed more than 12 ounces a day, it was found to be associated with increased obesity and reduced height in 2- to 5-year old children. It is very important to remember that juice contains calories; drinking more than 12 ounces a day of apple juice can add up to almost 200 extra calories. It only takes 50 extra calories a day to lead to an excess weight gain of five pounds a year. THE ROLE OF PARENTS Ask what he or she ate for breakfast or lunch. Encourage physical activity. Walking or bike riding as a family is a great way to spend quality time while burning calories! Speak to your pediatrician about concerns regarding your child’s weight. If you are unsure of what foods to offer, contact a registered dietitian for nutritional advice. Addressing the issue now may prevent a lifetime of weight-related health problems. [ top ] |
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There is an epidemic rise in childhood obesity with the prevalence increasing with every national nutritional survey since the early 1960’s. A 1990 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey found that 22 percent of American children and adolescents were overweight, while 11 percent were obese. 
should not be put on an adult weight loss plan. Food is not the only thing that can affect a child’s weight. There are many psychological aspects to being overweight and these aspects need to be addressed. Do not assume your adolescent is making the right food choices.
