Health and Obesity

• What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health.

• What are the reasons for obesity in children?

- Food choices

- Lack of physical activity

- Spending a lot of time on sedentary pursuits

- Overweight parents

- Genetics

• Is obesity only a national problem?

No. Its a worldwide problem.

• What do statistics show?

The statistic shows the numbers of obese children has more than tripled. At the current rate, it is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020.

• What is making the obesity problem worse?

These changes have led to people either eating more or becoming less active, all of which has contributed to an increase in overweight and obesity. For example:

- The overall cost of food has gone down.
- More food is prepared away from home.
- Energy-dense foods and drinks are more readily available.
- Portion sizes have increased.
- Marketing of energy-dense foods and drinks has increased.
- The use of cars has increased.
- The number of two-income families has increased.
- The time spent in paid employment has increased.
- The role of physical education in the school curriculum has reduced.

• Does obesity have an impact on children's health?

Yes.

• If yes, explain how?

Most of the health problems associated with obesity become obvious in adulthood. Early signs of these later problems are commonly found in children.

- Type 2 diabetes – while this condition is most commonly seen in adults, it is now also being diagnosed in children
- Eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating
- Orthopaedic disorders – problems with foot structure
- Liver problems, including fatty liver
- Respiratory disorders, such as blocked airways and restrictions in the chest wall, which cause breathlessness during exercise
- Sleep apnoea – this is a condition that causes difficulty breathing when sleeping. It also causes snoring, waking often and poor sleep. It makes people feel tired and contributes to poor concentration during the day
- Cardiomyopathy – a problem with the heart muscle, caused when extra effort is needed to pump blood.

- Obesity in childhood leads to obesity in adulthood.
- Social problems for obese children and adolescents.

• What is the treatment?

- Contact the Dietitians Association of Australia

- Go to see your doctor

- Go for your life Infoline service Tel. 1300 73 98 99

- Changing lifestyle and dietary patterns have contributed to increasing obesity rates in children.
- Lifestyle and diet changes can help children to maintain a healthy weight.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/obesity_in_children

What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?