Childhood Obesity

I am not talking about cute chubby little cheeks on an otherwise healthy infant. I am referring to the growing rate of children classified as overweight or obese. Unfortunately, we are seeing more infants starting life with risks for obesity and associated health problems. This is evident on a global level but also too familiar in our own neighborhoods. It breaks my heart to see innocent children struggling with excess body fat at such an early age. It really saddens me when kids as young as 8-years-old start struggling with weight-associated health problems such as high cholesterol or pre-diabetes. When these issues, that used to only be seen in older adults, starts showing up in children, I know there is a dietary issue.

There is much debate around this topic with blame being shifted in many directions. Do we blame the children, parents, television, advertising, food manufacturers, fast food, soda makers, schools, environment or our government? This is a topic that needs addressing but with some delicacy. There are no easy solutions.

 While I agree there are many factors contributing to this widespread dilemma, here are a few observations we see in clinical practice that explain most cases of childhood obesity. Here are the most common factors I see every day contributing to childhood obesity.

1. Body mass index (BMI) of mother before pregnancy or high maternal weight gain during pregnancy. This is considered an independent risk factor for child obesity. This correlates with an increasing rise in adult obesity and may partly explain the increase in childhood obesity. There may be genetic changes affecting this during gestation. But we also know that environment plays a role and a child will usually learn from watching their parents. It is normal for kids to come in all different sizes but when that size becomes unhealthy, we must make changes. Set a good example and hopefully your kids will follow.
2. Inappropriate feeding. Breastmilk is the preferred food for infants. Formula does not necessarily lead to excess weight gain and may be necessary, but it does contain certain ingredients that are not found in breastmilk. Formula also requires proper preparation to meet exact calorie requirements. Babies can be overfed if parents misunderstand feeding cues and try to pacify by breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Introduction of solid foods too soon can also contribute to excess weight gain. Check out this resource for recommended infant feeding guidelines.
3. Inappropriate foods. Choosing healthy foods throughout the toddler years is critical. Parents can encourage healthy eating habits by introducing children to a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy grains. Avoiding junk foods full of sugar, salt and processed fats can help a child develop a taste for healthier foods. Parents are only responsible for offering healthy foods. It is up to each child to determine which foods and how much to eat. The habits they establish in childhood will influence their adult health.
4. Irregular meal/snack patterns. Children allowed to “graze” or drink sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice all day tend to get a lot of extra calories. Children need frequent meals and snacks, but they need to be controlled meals and snacks. Teach kids to eat at established meal and snack times and close the kitchen in between. They are more likely to eat a balanced meal if they are hungry and have not loaded up on snacks or beverages.
5. Lack of physical activity. Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is being made worse by lack of exercise. Schools no longer require physical education classes every day. Kids are not active once they get home from school and a lot of time is spent in front of a computer or electronic device. If kids are not playing sports, they are probably not getting the recommended amount of physical activity.

Many factors in our culture perpetuate this epidemic but we do have control over diet and lifestyle that influences our health. We can sit around and blame the food industry, the government, fast food or soda but ultimately, we are responsible for our own health. It is our responsibility to nurture children now so they can have a healthier future tomorrow. To good health!

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