Overweight and Obesity in Children

Though there is no general agreement in the medical community on the definition of obesity in children, most professionals use the body mass index as a guideline. BMI, or Body Mass Index, indicates body weight measured in pound in proportion to the height measured in feet for adults. Studies have revealed that if an adult’s body mass index is 17-32 then they have a longer life.

It has been seen that men have less fat than women with the same body mass index. BMI can also relate to a person’s health condition.

If you have a high body mass index then you can be at risk of having high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

In children, there are varying opinions on the body mass index, but some define obesity as a body weight at least 20% higher than a healthy weight for a child of that age, or a body fat percentage above 25% in boys or above 32% in girls.
The Center for Disease Control defines obesity as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile. It has published tables for determining this in children.

Obesity is now among the most widespread medical problems facing children and adolescents in the United States. About 16% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 and children aged six to 11 are obese in the United States. It has a devastating affect on a child’s life and can increase the risk of a number of health problems, as wells as emotional and social problems. Obese children are also more likely to be obese as adults, which increases their risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as other serious health problems.


High Cholesterol
Hypertension
Respiratory Ailments
Orthopedic Problems
Depression
Type 2 Diabetes


Studies have shown that overweight adolescents have a 70% change of becoming overweight or obese adults, with the rate increasing to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese.

For more information on how to help your family stay fit, talk with Chris Keith at BOOTCAMP 619.