CHILDHOOD OBESITY FACT SHEET

DEFINING CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure used to determine childhood overweight and obesity. Overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY RATES

One in five children in the United States has obesity. The prevalence of obesity among U.S. youth ages 2-19 was 18.5% in 2015-2016. ƒ Preschool-aged children (2-5 years) – 13.9% ƒ School-aged children (6-11 years) – 18.4% ƒ Adolescents (12-19 years) – 20.6%

There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between boys and girls overall or by age group. The prevalence of obesity decreased with increasing level of education of the head of household. ƒ Lowest income group – 18.9% ƒ Middle income group – 19.9% ƒ Highest income group – 10.9%

Obesity prevalence was lower in the highest income group among non-Hispanic Asian and Hispanic boys, and non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic girls. Obesity prevalence did not differ by income among non-Hispanic Black girls.

Written by Gurpreet Boparai, MD, FOMA © Obesity Medicine Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced, redistributed, or translated without written permission. CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

NUTRITION PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MEDICAL ISSUES ƒ High-calorie foods, ƒ Increased sedentary ƒ Medications low-nutrient foods, activities and screen (e.g., psychiatric and sugar-rich time medications, which beverages ƒ Limited access to can cause hunger ƒ Limited access to outdoor activities or and weight gain) healthy foods playgrounds ƒ Poor sleep schedule and patterns

CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

IMMEDIATE HEALTH RISKS ƒ Cardiovascular: High blood pressure and high cholesterol ƒ Endocrine: Impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes ƒ Respiratory: Asthma and sleep apnea ƒ Muscular: Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort ƒ Gastrointestinal: Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux ƒ Psychological: Anxiety and depression ƒ Psycho-social: Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life ƒ Social: Bullying and stigma

Children with obesity are more likely to have adult obesity, which increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and many other serious health conditions.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION

A multi-component approach is required to prevent and reduce the incidence of childhood obesity. Families, schools, and healthcare providers should work as a team.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ƒ Preschool-age children should remain active and engage in different activities throughout the day. ƒ School-age children should be physically active about 60 minutes per day, doing both bone- and muscle-strengthening exercises.

NUTRITION ƒ All children should follow a healthy eating pattern at home and at school that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, protein, and oils.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Children can adopt a healthy lifestyle when parents: ƒ Focus on good health, not a certain weight goal. ƒ Teach and model positive attitudes toward food and physical activity without emphasizing weight. ƒ Involve the whole family, and gradually change the family’s behavior. ƒ Establish daily meal and snack times, and eat together as frequently as possible. ƒ Make healthy food choices available. ƒ Determine what food is offered and when. Let the child decide whether and how much to eat. ƒ Plan sensible portions using the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children as a guide.

© Obesity Medicine Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced, redistributed, or translated without written permission.