Obesity and Children Love and Respect Acceptance and Fun By: Candance Gabel, M.S. R.D.L.D.
“Overweight” = BMI > 95 th percentile “At risk for Overweight” = BMI > 85 th percentile but < 95 th percentile
What Causes Obesity? Genetics Familial Factors Socio-demographic Factors Dietary Factors Physical Activity and Sedentary Activity Psychological Factors
Medical Reasons Hypothyroidism Cushing’s Syndrome Prader-Willi Turner’s Syndrome Laurence-Moon-Biedl
Hereditary? Somewhere between 30 – 75% of the variance in adiposity within a population can be explained by genetics.
What do Parents have to do with it? Parental education and race Age of mother and race Number of siblings and race
Prevalence of Overweight in 9-10 Year Old Girls by Parental Education and Race Black GirlsWhite Girls n=1213n=1166 Parental Education < High School31%29% Some College31%25% >4 Years College32%16% Patterson, Crawford, et al 1997
Prevalence of overweight in 9-10 year old girls by age of mother and race Black Girls White Girls Age of Mother/Female Guardian <3126%20% %23% %19% %21% >4536%27% Patterson, Crawford, et al 1997
Prevalence of overweight in 9-10 year old girls by number of siblings and race Black GirlsWhite Girls Number of Siblings 035%29% 134%21% 228%20% >326%14%
Eating Practiceyesno Eating while watching TV Eat while doing homework Eat when not hungry Sneak food Buy snacks Eat big helpings
Vulnerable Times Prenatal Adiposity rebound (Age 5 to 7) Adolescence Early Adulthood Pregnancy Menopause
Health Risks Increased blood pressure Increased total cholesterol Abnormal lipoproteins Hyperinsulineamia
Psycho Social Depression Low self-esteem Work difficulties Social difficulties
Seeing Things Differently Factors to consider when assessing weight in Adolescents
Redefining “success” with overweight intervention Improved body image Division of responsibility Physically active life-style Healthful eating pattern Ability to deal with peers Normal medical indicators Weight stabilization Improved self-esteem