1. Obesity in Children National Health Epidemic Ahmed Abo-Baker, MD Future Pediatrics, LLC 2420 Jenks Ave, Suite 3 Panama City, FL 32405 850.767.4777 futurepediatrics.com

2. What is Childhood Obesity? Excess percentage of body weight due to fat. Body Mass Index (BMI) - calculated from a child’s weight and height. Serious medical condition! Childhood obesity leads to health problems once limited to adults (diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol).

3. National Health Epidemic 1 in 3 children/teens in U.S. are overweight/obese. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate 1 in 3 young people born in the year 2000 will develop Type 2 Diabetes. Current generation of kids might be first in U.S. history to live shorter lives than their parents.

4. Current Trends  In last two decades, obese children doubled and obese adolescents tripled.  National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) state that 31.9% of children/adolescents are overweight and 16.3% are obese.

5. What Factors Contribute to Obesity? DIET High-calorie foods/beverages are high in sugar.  Fast foods  Baked goods  Vending machine snacks  Soft drinks  Candy & desserts

6. Obesity Factors cont. INACTIVITY Sedentary kids gain weight because they don’t burn calories through physical activity.  Watching television  Surfing on the Internet  Playing video games  Cell phone usage

7. Obesity Factors cont. GENETICS Children in overweight families are predisposed for excess weight, especially if high-calorie foods are available and physical activity isn’t encouraged. PSYCHOLOGICAL Some children overeat to cope with problems or deal with emotions like stress.

8. Obesity Factors cont. FAMILY ENVIRONMENT  Children don’t shop for the family groceries.  Parents responsible for providing healthy foods - leave unhealthy foods at the store.  Kids are attracted to sweet, salty and fatty foods, but parents control access to these foods.

9. Obesity Factors cont. SOCIOECONOMIC  Children from low-income backgrounds at greater risk for obesity.  Poverty and obesity can go hand in hand.  Parents in these circumstances may lack time/resources to make healthy eating/exercise a priority.