Introduction Define and describe childhood obesity Discuss which populations are at risk Comparison of past and present Describe medical conditions Discuss prevention and treatment Conclusion

“Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. Data from NHANES surveys (1976–1980 and 2003–2006) show that the prevalence of obesity has increased: for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 12.4%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.6%.” (CDC, 2009)

Definition: excess of body fat Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

› Overweight - at or above the 95th percentile of BMI for age

› At risk for overweight – between 85th and 95th percentile BMI for age

European researchers: › Overweight – at or above the 85th percentile

BMI for age› Obese – at or above the 95th percentile BMI for

age

Physical effects› Type 2 diabetes› Hypertension› Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance› Sleep apnea› Impaired balance and orthopedic problems

Psychological effects› Depression› Low self esteem› Negative body image

Social Health› Negative stereotyping› Discrimination› Teasing and bullying

United States – 25% overweight, 11% obese

Middle East› Iran – one of the seven highest › Saudi Arabia – 1 out of every 6, ages 6-18

Europe – central and eastern

Scandinavian and Mediterranean – lowest rate of childhood obesity

Poor diet. Highly-processed, high-calorie meals and fast foods have become staples of the typical Western diet. Poor nutrition spells weight gain.

Lack of exercise. Our children’s leisure time has become increasingly sedentary. Television, video games and computers occupy vast amounts their free time, at the expense of physical activity.

Genetics. Family history plays a significant part in whether your child will develop a serious weight problem. From 25-40 percent of children inherit the tendency towards overweight.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2009. Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved on April 7, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/childhood/index.htm

Institute of Medicine. 2004. Childhood obesity in the United States: Facts and Figures. Retrieved on April 7, 2009 from http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/22/606/FINALfactsandfigures2.pdf

Nutrition Journal. 2005. Childhood obesity, prevalence and prevention. Retrieved on April 7, 2009 from http://www.nutritionj.com/content/4/1/24