Childhood Obesity

The new definition of a child that is considered at risk of being overweight is where the BMI is over 85%. When a child exceeds 95% of the BMI, he or she is considered overweight. If the child has no medical complications, the range for gauging obesity starts at age 7. If the child is between ages 2 and 7, a weight loss plan should be initiated. The CDC uses growth charts to analyze if a child is overweight (Fowler-Brown, 2004). The use of these growth charts are promoted in schools, summer camps, and sports programs so that obesity is detected early in the childhood as a method for intervention.



This new definition is considered useful because the child has already established poor eating habits that have been the responsibility of the parent. It becomes very difficult to change eating habits unless it is initiated by the entire family. Early detection of poor eating habits will help to identify these problems and correct them.

Probiotic Enzymes

The consequences and health effects of childhood overweight exposes the child to type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Sleep disorders are also an effect caused by obesity. The child is unable to breathe during sleep causing sleep apnea (Mayoclinic.com). These health problems affect the child’s ability to develop into a healthy adult. Depression and poor social skills may also lead to childhood obesity.



Prevention of childhood obesity lies in increasing exercise, calorie restriction, lifestyle exercise changes, and decrease in sedentary behavior (Fowler-Brown, 2004). Making lifestyle changes by eating less fatty foods and decreasing the length of time spent in front of the television will help to prevent childhood obesity.


Intervention of childhood obesity begins by recognizing those at risk earlier. Most schools and summer programs use BMI charts to identify those at risk. Prevention methods can begin right away. These interventions include removing snack machines out of the schools, making physical education a requirement, and providing nutritional choices for meal plans (Grodner, 2007). Integrating these changes in schools provide better outcomes in early intervention plans.

A specific application for the general approach to therapy is to provide a caloric-restriction approach. Calorie restriction can be monitored by parents by planning meals using mypyramid.gov (Fowler-Brown, 2004). Calories of foods eaten can be documented and monitored based on each food group. Balanced meals can be prepared so that better food choices are made in the future.

References:


Fowler-Brown, A., Kahwati, L (June 1, 2004). Prevention and Treatment of Overweight in Children and Adolescents . Retrieved on May 26, 2010 from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0601/p2591.html
Mayo Clinic Staff (March 26, 2010) Childhood Obesity: Definition. Retrieved on May 27, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698
Grodner,M., Long,S., Walkingshaw, B., (2007). Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach (4th Edition). Mosby, Inc. St. Louis, Missouri, p. 272-273.