Childhood obesity: what every parent needs to know about children's excessive weight and its dangers

Today, more kids have type 2 diabetes than ever because more children than ever are overweight and obese. Dr. Reginald Eadie, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and expert in childhood obesity, shares his knowledge on the problem of excessive weight.

Obesity is the most widespread non-communicable disease in the African-American community. It affects African-Americans of all ages, but has now begun to destroy the lives of our children at an epidemic level. To put things in perspective, even with the advances of modern-day medicine and our increased access to medical care, this generation of children is the first generation predicted to die before their parents. Currently, 1 in 4 obese African-American children are already showing early signs of type 2 diabetes. In the early '70s, only 6 percent of African-American children were obese. In 1994, that number increased to an alarming 13 percent. By 2000, 20 percent of our youth were obese. Today, an estimated 33 percent of Black children are suffering from obesity. At this rate, obesity among African-American children is guaranteed to cause increased illnesses and early deaths. Furthermore, hospital costs associated with childhood obesity has risen from $35 million (1979) to $127 million (1999).

Childhood obesity is often described as an increase in body weight due to an excessive accumulation of fat at ages 2 to 17. There are many factors that contribute to the onset of obesity among African-American children, including the lack of physical activity, poor nutrition and genetics. Other factors include socioeconomic status and illnesses, but they play a less significant role. Genetic factors have a noteworthy influence on obesity in children as well. A child who has obese parents will likely be obese. These children have an inherited predisposition, but that inherited tendency does not mean they have to become obese. Control over a sedentary lifestyle, eating habits and other environmental factors can prevent this accumulation of fat.

Although no ethnic group in this country is immune from the accumulation of excess fat, minority communities seem to be getting "dealt the worst hands" and being "served the most awful plates." National probability samples of African-American, Hispanic and White children in the U.S. provide clear evidence that White children are at lower risk for childhood obesity (and its related poor health) than are African-American or Hispanic children. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, from 1986 to 1998, obesity among African and Hispanic children increased by more than 120 percent, compared to about 50 percent among White children. Presently, one-third of Black children and only about one-fifth of White children are obese.

As a parent, your primary objective should be to maintain an ideal weight that's based on your child's height. If you are concerned that your child is overweight or obese, your first step should be to consult your child's physician, along with a registered dietician or nutritionist who can make an accurate assessment of your child's health. They can advise you on a plan to get your child to a healthy weight, and teach you and your child how to live a healthy and longer life.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning