Cause and Effect in Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. As a result, children are at increased risk for myriad preventable acute and chronic medical problems—many of which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In addition, childhood obesity has serious psychosocial consequences, such as low self-esteem, lower quality of life, and depression. The multifaceted causes and solutions to this pervasive health issue are discussed in the present review, as are pertinent health policy issues. Osteopathic physicians and other healthcare providers can play an important role in patient and family education, direct care, and advocacy.
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Many social and environmental factors have negatively influenced the physical activity and eating behaviors of US children and adolescents. Financial and time pressures force many families to minimize food costs and meal preparation time, resulting in increased consumption of prepackaged convenience foods that are high in calories and fat.1 In fact, fast-food restaurants are often concentrated in neighborhoods containing schools and therefore young customers.2 Children are also the target of junk food advertisements.3 As a result of these and many other factors, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions.
Since the 1970s, the rate of obesity more than doubled among US children aged 2 to 5 years,1,4 and recent data from studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)5-7 indicate that this increased prevalence of obesity applies to all ethnicities in this age group. Meanwhile, the number of obese children has tripled among youth aged 6 to 11 years and doubled among those aged 12 to 16 years.1,4 According to the Institute of Medicine, more than 9 million children and young adults older than 6 years are overweight or obese.1
Childhood obesity increases the risk of multiple acute and chronic medical problems as well as psychological issues,
Previous SectionNext Section
Many social and environmental factors have negatively influenced the physical activity and eating behaviors of US children and adolescents. Financial and time pressures force many families to minimize food costs and meal preparation time, resulting in increased consumption of prepackaged convenience foods that are high in calories and fat.1 In fact, fast-food restaurants are often concentrated in neighborhoods containing schools and therefore young customers.2 Children are also the target of junk food advertisements.3 As a result of these and many other factors, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions.
Since the 1970s, the rate of obesity more than doubled among US children aged 2 to 5 years,1,4 and recent data from studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)5-7 indicate that this increased prevalence of obesity applies to all ethnicities in this age group. Meanwhile, the number of obese children has tripled among youth aged 6 to 11 years and doubled among those aged 12 to 16 years.1,4 According to the Institute of Medicine, more than 9 million children and young adults older than 6 years are overweight or obese.1
Childhood obesity increases the risk of multiple acute and chronic medical problems as well as psychological issues,