OBESITY IN CHILDREN A National Crisis By: April Locklear, RNApril Locklear, RN Lead Nurse, SRMC & Andrea Fields, RN Director of Occupational Health

ABSTRACT:

Definition of Obesity A few extra pounds is not considered to be obese. A child is considered to be obese, when his or her weight is at least 10% greater than what is recommended for the height and body type.

Prevalence of Obesity One in every 5 children are overweight 15.5 % of Adolescents (ages ) 15.3 % of children (ages 6 – 11)

RESEARCH DATA

Is determined by a persons body mass index. Calculating BMI Weight(lbs) /height (in) X 704.5= BMI 18.5 to 24.9 = 25 to 29.9 = 30 to 34.9 = 35 to 39.9 = 40 or more Healthy Over- Obesity Obesity Severe Obesity Weight weight (Class 1) (class 2) (class 3) 2

Predisposing Factors Sedentary LifestyleDiet

What are the health consequences of being overweight as a child? Heart Disease Stroke Type II Diabetes Arthritis Some Forms of Cancer COPD Overweight Adult Overweight Child

Annual Direct & Indirect Costs Of Obesity (1995 Billions of Dollars)

Overweight Status Compromises Health – Even in Childhood 60% children have at least one CVD risk factor Dramatic increase of Type II diabetes Obesity in childhood affects adult mortality – 50% higher risk of death The problem is escalating worldwide

Barriers Family Media Food Industry

McDonald’s Trivia Everyday 0.5% of the world’s population visits a McDonald’s. The average American eats at McDonald's 1,811 times in their life. In 1996, 96% of American’s ate at McDonalds at least once. The colors red and yellow have been shown to increase hunger…the colors of most McDonalds restaurants.

“The ubiquity of fast food outlets and soda vending machines, the huge increase in portions sizes at restaurants…are all contributing to the obesity epidemic.” Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Interventions

Education of Parents and Children

Health Care Medications Surgery

Where do we go from here Need more research Change school environments for beverages and snacks Change food preferences for fruits and vegetables Family-based programs for diet & PA Community-school partnership for PA Environment and policy

References