Child Obesity Laurel Wilkinson

What is Child Obesity? A medical condition that affects children and teenagers Sometimes we can store excessive body fat If a child stores too much fat, they can be classified as obese A Sign of childhood obesity is a weight well above the average for a child’s height and age

Which children are at risk of becoming overweight or obese? Most overweight and obesity problems in childhood are caused by children eating too much and not getting enough exercise Weight gain happens when energy ingested (food and drink) is more than energy burned off (physical activity)

Children at risk of becoming overweight or obese include children who: consume food and drinks that are high in sugar and fat on a regular basis such as fast food, candy, baked goods, and ESPECIALLY pop and other sugar- sweetened beverages are not physically active each day watch a lot of TV and play a lot of video games, activities that don't burn calories live in an environment where healthy eating and physical activity are not encouraged eat to help deal with stress or problems come from a family of overweight people where genetics may be a factor, especially if healthy eating and physical activity are not a priority in the family come from a low-income family who do not have the resources or time to make healthy eating and active living a priority have a genetic disease or hormone disorder such as Prader-Willi syndrome or Cushing's syndrome

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity Immediate health effects: Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Four Simple Steps to follow: Limit as much as possible sugar sweetened beverages per day Get one hour, or more of physical activity per day Two hours of screen time or less per day 5 fruits or vegetables or more per day

Facts and Statistics In 1978, only 15% of children were overweight or obese.   By 2007, Statistics Canada found that 29% of adolescents had unhealthy weights.   Most adolescents do not outgrow this problem and in fact, many continue to gain excess weight.   If current trends continue, by 2040, up to 70% of adults aged 40 years will be either overweight or obese Adults who have unhealthy weights are at increased risk of heart disease, cancer, strokes and type 2 diabetes.  In 2005, the total cost of obesity to Canadians was $4.3 billion; $1.8 billion in indirect healthcare costs, and $2.5 billion in indirect costs.   Affected adults may die up to 3 to 7 years earlier than counterparts with a healthy weight.

Bibliography http://www.childhoodobesityfoundation.ca/index.php http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/kids-enfants/obesity- obesite/risks-risques-eng.php http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/09/20/child- obesity-statscan.html http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003- x/2012003/article/11706-eng.htm http://www.peelregion.ca/health/obesity/ http://www.childhood-obesity- prevention.org/live5210/overview/