1.  Why is Child Obesity a Problem Today?

A: Researchers found that child obesity is largely caused by lack of physical activity.  From 1980 to 2000 obesity increased 10%, and continues to rise.  Caloric intake increased 1%, while physical activity decreased 13%.   Changes in transportation methods and the popularity of television, video games and the internet all contribute to a sedentary lifestyle for children.

2.  What are the Complications of Childhood Obesity?

A: Childhood obesity is a multi system disease with potentially devastating consequences.  As with adults, obesity in children can contribute to Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammation, increased blood clotting tendencies, among other medical ailments.  Overweight children tend to become overweight adults, continuing to put them at greater risks for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

3. Is treatment of obesity in children and adolescents different from that of adults?

A: Obesity prevalence in children is increasing at an alarming rate. Treatment of children and adolescents differs from the approach in adults in several ways. The goal of treatment in children may sometimes be to keep weight stable and allow the child to “grow into” their weight. Surgery is rarely an option for children or adolescents unless it is deemed to be life saving.

4. What do you mean by “childhood overweight”? Is that the same as “childhood obesity”?

A: These terms often mean the same thing. Childhood “obesity” is the more common term used in newspapers, radio and other media. However, childhood overweight is the accepted clinical term. This is similar to “high blood pressure” and “hypertension”. A child under 18 is defined clinically as overweight if they are above the 95th percentile of Body Mass Index (BMI) for their age and gender.  We use the term obesity if we are referring to the general condition, and overweight if we are speaking in medical terms or referring to data.

5. Why is childhood obesity called an epidemic?

A: An epidemic is defined as “an outbreak or unusually high occurrence of a disease or illness in a population or area” . The rates of childhood overweight have tripled nationally since the 1970s. State-by-state data on the rates of adult obesity go back to the 1980s and when viewed over time, they provide a clear picture of an epidemic in action.

6. What is causing the epidemic?

A: There is not one single answer to this question. From genetics to politics, or from unhealthy cultural norms to too many hours spent in front of a television, there are a seemingly endless number of factors that are contributing to the rapid spread of obesity. At the simplest level it is obviously a matter of more calories consumed than expended. However few (if any) children, families or communities can control their environments enough to be immune from all the potential risk factors for obesity.

7. I am concerned about (my / an) overweight child; what can I do about it?

A: Talking about a child’s weight can be a very difficult thing to do and it is very important to be aware of the way they feel about their body. Set a positive example, don’t focus too much on a child’s actual weight without reinforcing healthy daily behaviors, and make changes in the child’s environment that might support these behaviors. Our Child Obesity Kit recommendations provide more information on the kinds of healthy daily behaviors that can lead to weight control.