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Overweight and Obesity

Dr. Parang Mehta, MD.

Overweight and obesity are major health problems all over the world, and children are not immune to them.  In the last twenty years, the number of obese children has doubled in the USA, and other countries are also facing a similar situation.  Activity levels are declining in youngsters, and high calorie, fat-filled foods are becoming popular.  The change in lifestyle is widespread and almost irreversible, and the obesity epidemic seems difficult to manage.

Though obesity is a major problem facing us today, many health care providers do not diagnose and treat it.  Parents spot the problem rather late, and established obesity is very difficult to reverse.

Problems Associated With Obesity

Obesity and overweight have always been known to lead to all sorts of problems.  Chief among them are cardiovascular disease.  Among the many problems that obese people are prone to are:

• High blood pressure (Hypertension).
• Heart attacks.
• Diabetes mellitus.  The adult type of diabetes is being seen more often in children as the number of obese children rises.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Asthma.
• Stroke.
• Some types of cancer.
• Negative body image, depression, and social problems like teasing.
• Hyperlipidemia.
• Liver disease (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis).
• Sleep apnea.
• Hirsutism (excessive hairyness) because of elevated androgen hormones.
• Menstrual irregularities.

Does Obesity Persist?

Do fat children become fat adults?

Yes, they often do.  How often, depends on the age.  While 20% children who were fat at age 4 will become fat adults, the incidence rises to about 80% in adolescents who are fat.

Obesity in adults is a life long struggle.  People who are overweight spend enormous amounts of time, money, and effort to reduce their weight and improve their health.  It is very important to make a start in childhood, so that a weight problem and its accompanying diseases do not get a toehold.  Treatment of obesity is rarely successful; prevention is important.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

The BMI is an indicator of weight status of an individual.  It is the ratio of a child's weight in kilograms to the square of his height in meters.  Age specific charts for BMI are now available, and should be used for children.

Children whose BMI falls between the 85th and 95th percentile for age and sex are considered to be at risk of overweight.  A child with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile is considered overweight or obese.

Causes of Obesity

• Improper eating - too much food, too high a proportion of sugars and fats.
• Overeating, binging, and comfort eating.
• Lack of exercise.
• Family tendency to obesity.
• Medical disorders of the endocrine or nervous system.
• Some medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications).
• Low self-esteem, depression, other emotional problems.

The Prevention of Obesity in Children

Last Revision: May 14, 2020

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Dr. Parang Mehta,
Mehta Childcare,
Opposite Putli, Sagrampura,
Surat, India.
Tel: +91 9429486624.
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