Childhood Obesity Facts

Knowing some basic childhood obesity facts might help you adopt healthy eating habits, not only for your toddler but for your whole family. Here we give you the causes of obesity in children, along with child obesity statistics and also, some of the dangers of childhood obesity.

Child Obesity Statistics

In the last three decades obesity in children aged 2 - 5 and adolescents aged 12 - 19 has more than doubled. For children aged 6 - 11 it has more than tripled.

Worldwide there are an estimated 22 million children under five who are overweight.

Obesity is a global problem and is prevalent in both developed and developing countries.

Childhood Obesity Facts: Causes Of Obesity In Children

Obesity is caused by an unhealthy diet, often too rich in fats and sugars, and a lack of exercise. If you give the body too much calories and the body does not burn those calories off with exercise the fat will be stored. Gradually the stored fat will build up causing weight gain.

Many overweight children have overweight parents. Excessive eating, eating unhealthy food and a lack of exercise is often the general family lifestyle. Where other members of the family are already overweight the extra weight gain often goes unnoticed or is not considered excessive by parents.

According to the World Health Organisation, the obesity epidemic refects the change in society and behaviour. With economic growth come rises in income and with more money to spend, more food, often high in fats and sugars, is bought.

Work patterns are changing with there being less physical work and more sedantry work. Furthermore, daily exercise has been reduced with more automated transport, more technology in the home and more passive leisure activities.

In rare cases, obesity can be caused by a genetic condition such as Prader-Willi syndrome. In this disease the brain is unable to control the sensation of feeling hungry.

Childhood Obesity Facts: Dangers Of Childhood Obesity

Excess body weight has serious effects on the body. The dangers include:

• respiratory difficulties
• chronic musculoskeletal problems
• skin problems
• infertility
• insulin resistance e.g. type 2 diabetes
• cancers
• gallbladder disease
• hypertension
• psychological problems, e.g. low self-esteem
• continued obesity into adulthood

If you are concerned that your child may be overweight then make an appointment with your medical professional. They will calculate the body mass index and measure your child's BMI against specific age-adjusted charts.

If action is required then be sure to take advice from your medical professional as weight loss will need to be measured, gradual, and incorporated into a new, sustainable, healthy way of living.

Making changes in eating habits can be challenging. Try and adopt a positive approach to healthy eating and exercise and your children will then be able to model healthy eating habits from you. There are often local support groups where members an help each other with ideas for health eating and support for keeping on track.