What is childhood obesity, and how is it defined? Childhood Obesity Definitions: Understanding the Basics.
Childhood obesity is a serious health problem that affects many children and adolescents in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children and adolescents are affected [1]. Childhood obesity can lead to many health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other chronic diseases [2].
Obesity is complex, and some groups of children are more affected than others. Genetics, behavior, environment, and culture can all contribute to childhood obesity [1]. Factors such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and limited access to healthy food options can contribute to childhood obesity. Additionally, certain groups, such as Hispanic and African American children, are more likely to be affected by childhood obesity [1]
Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. More than 18% of kids suffer from it. In fact, the numbers have more than tripled since 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Defining childhood weight status is the first step in identifying and preventing childhood obesity. The CDC recommends using body mass index (BMI) to determine childhood weight status [3]. BMI is a measurement that uses a person’s weight and height to determine their body fatness. For children and teens, BMI is age and sex-specific, and it is used to compare a child’s weight status to other children of the same age and sex.
A child is affected by obesity if their BMI above the 95th percentile for age and sex. For example, a 5-year old boy whose height and weight measures 20 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds is considered obese.
The CDC estimates that about 2 million children under age 19 are severely obese. Another 10 million are overweight. These numbers are expected to increase over the next decade.
Obesity and related illnesses such as type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, asthma, cancer, arthritis and certain forms of dementia are linked to poor nutrition during childhood. Children who grow up obese are likely to become obese adults.
Obesity is one of the major global public health problems today. This review focuses on childhood obesity, which is defined as excess weight gain during growth period. The main cause of childhood obesity is unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. However, there are some rare cases where it is due to genetic disorders such as Prader Willi syndrome and Bardet Biedl syndrome. There are many factors contributing to the development of childhood obesity, including biological, environmental, socio-economic, cultural and behavioral factors. The most common risk factor for developing overweight/obesity in childhood is low birthweight. Other factors include maternal smoking during pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, rapid postnatal weight gain, early introduction of solid foods, short sleep duration, high screen time and frequent consumption of sweetened beverages. Some studies suggest that parental education level, family income, ethnicity, urbanicity, and breastfeeding might influence childhood obesity.
The prevalence of childhood obesity varies widely among countries and regions around the world. For example, the prevalence of childhood obesity ranges from 5% to 45% in European countries, 4% to 35% in North America, and 2% to 20% in Asia. The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing.
How is obesity different from being overweight?
Obesity and being overweight are two related but distinct conditions. While both involve carrying excess weight, obesity is a more severe form of overweight characterized by an excessive amount of body fat that can negatively impact overall health. Obesity is typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25 to 29.9. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, while being overweight may still have some health risks but they tend to be less severe.
How do age, sex, and ethnicity affect obesity definitions in children?
Age, sex, and ethnicity can all influence how obesity is defined in children. The definitions of obesity in children typically take into account a child’s age and sex, as body composition and weight distribution can vary significantly depending on these factors. Additionally, ethnic differences in body composition and metabolism can also impact how obesity is defined. For example, BMI cutoffs used to define obesity in children of certain ethnic groups may be different from those used for other groups. It is important to consider these factors when evaluating obesity in children to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management.
Childhood obesity: current definitions and recommendations for their use
Childhood Obesity definitions have been revised several times over the past few decades. In 1991, the World Health Organization defined overweight among children as having a body mass index greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean value for age and sex. This definition has remained unchanged since then. However, it does not take into account differences in height, nor does it consider whether the child is growing rapidly. In 2000, the International Obesity Task Force recommended defining childhood obesity as having a BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m2. This definition has been adopted by many countries around the world. To date, there are no studies comparing the predictive power of different definitions of childhood obesity.
Pediatric Obesity
Pediatric obesity is a serious health issue that affects children and adolescents. It is defined as having excess body fat that can have negative effects on a child’s overall health and well-being. The causes of pediatric obesity are multifactorial and can include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. The consequences of pediatric obesity can be severe and long-lasting, including an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Prevention and management of pediatric obesity require a comprehensive approach that includes healthy lifestyle habits, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet. Early intervention and support from healthcare professionals, family members, and the community can also play a critical role in helping children and adolescents achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Monogenic Obesity
Monogenic obesity is a rare genetic disorder that causes severe obesity in individuals. It is caused by mutations in a single gene that controls the body’s ability to regulate weight and appetite. People with this condition often have a strong genetic predisposition to obesity, and their bodies may be unable to regulate food intake and energy expenditure normally. Monogenic obesity can lead to serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Treatment options for this disorder typically involve a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and medication to manage weight and reduce the risk of associated health complications. In some cases, bariatric surgery may also be considered as a treatment option.
Polygenic Obesity
Polygenic obesity is a type of obesity that is caused by the combined effects of multiple genes, as opposed to a single gene mutation. These genes can affect a variety of factors, including metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. Polygenic obesity is believed to be one of the most common forms of obesity, and is thought to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with polygenic obesity often have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are at a greater risk for a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. While there is no known cure for polygenic obesity, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Multifactorial Obesity
Multifactorial obesity is a complex condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and metabolic factors. This type of obesity is not solely attributed to overeating and lack of physical activity but also includes several factors such as hormonal imbalances, gut microbiota, sleep patterns, stress, and medications. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in multifactorial obesity, but environmental factors such as diet and physical activity also contribute to the development of the condition. It is a major public health concern, associated with various health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. Treatment for multifactorial obesity requires a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes, behavioral interventions, pharmacological interventions, and surgical procedures in severe cases.
Childhood Obesity Measurement : BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to assess overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared. While it is useful for adults, it does not take into account differences in body size and shape associated with age and gender. As a result, BMI values are not appropriate for use in assessing pediatric weight status.
A child’s weight status is defined differently depending on age and gender. In addition to being based on BMI, the classification system includes information about how much fat a child carries around his or her waist, hips, thighs, arms, legs, chest and head. This helps identify kids whose excess weight is primarily stored in certain areas of the body.
In general, normal weight is considered to be a BMI between 5th and 85th percentile; overweight is above the 85th percentile and obese is above the 95th percentile. However, there are variations within each category. Normal weight children tend to weigh less than the average American child. Overweight children typically carry more fat than normal weight children. Obese children generally carry more fat than both overweight and normal weight children.
The CDC recommends that parents pay attention to their child’s growth pattern over time to help identify potential health problems. Parents should check their child’s height and weight every month and compare those measurements against the charts published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition that arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Genetics play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to obesity, but it is the interaction between genes and environment that ultimately leads to the development of the condition. The main environmental factors that contribute to childhood obesity are unhealthy dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and sedentary lifestyle. Children who consume a diet high in calories, sugar, and fat, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, characterized by spending too much time watching TV, playing video games, or using electronic devices, can also contribute to the development of obesity. Finally, socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and parental behaviors also play a role in the development of childhood obesity.
Child Teen BMI Calculator
Calculating a child’s BMI-for-age is easy using the CDC’s Child Teen BMI Calculator. This online tool allows parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to input a child’s age, sex, height, and weight to determine their BMI-for-age. The tool then provides an interpretation of the child’s weight status based on their BMI-for-age. The CDC recommends that healthcare providers use the Child Teen BMI Calculator at least once a year to screen for childhood obesity [3].
Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Obesity is one of the major global public health problems today. This review focuses on childhood obesity, which is defined as excess weight gain during growth period. The main cause of childhood obesity is unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. However, there are some rare cases where it is due to genetic disorders such as Prader Willi syndrome and Bardet Biedl syndrome. There are many factors contributing to the development of childhood obesity, including biological, environmental, socio-economic, cultural and behavioral factors. The most common risk factor for developing overweight/obesity in childhood is low birthweight. Other factors include maternal smoking during pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, rapid postnatal weight gain, early introduction of solid foods, short sleep duration, high screen time and frequent consumption of sweetened beverages. Some studies suggest that parental education level, family income, ethnicity, urbanicity, and breastfeeding might influence childhood obesity.
The prevalence of childhood obesity varies widely among countries and regions around the world. For example, the prevalence of childhood obesity ranges from 5% to 45% in European countries, 4% to 35% in North America, and 2% to 20% in Asia. The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, especially in developed countries. According to recent data from the United States, about 17% of boys and 15% of girls aged 6–19 years were obese in 2011. Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, asthma, certain cancers, depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions. It also leads to social stigmatization and discrimination.
The consequences of childhood obesity can be devastating. Studies have shown that children who are obese at ages 3–5 years are more likely to become obese adults. They are also more likely to develop metabolic diseases in adulthood. Moreover, they are more prone to suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and mental illness.