Childhood Obesity | More than just diet
Courtney Carter
/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

Childhood Obesity | More than just diet

There’s a disease plaguing the youth of America, and it’s hiding in plain sight.

Childhood obesity affects 1 in every 5 U.S. children. Not simply the result of being lazy or poor choices, childhood obesity isn’t something children grow out of as an adult. Somewhere between 50-80% of children who have obesity are likely to become obese adults.

Beyond the social stigma that comes with being overweight in America, childhood obesity carries real physical and mental health risks. Obese children are at an increased risk of developing various health problems in adulthood, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. They’re also 32% more likely to have depression than children at a healthier weight, and at an increased risk for low self-esteem, eating disorders, and anxiety.

More than diet

While diet and lifestyle habits certainly play into risks at any age, there’s more to the disease.

Research has found that children with a family history of obesity are more likely to develop the condition. Some may even carry genes that make their bodies gain weight more easily than others.  

Genes can also lead to rare genetic conditions, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, that can cause severe childhood obesity. 

Other medical conditions, not always inherited, and even certain medications can increase a child's appetite and increase the risk for obesity.

A family approach to battling childhood obesity

While changing a child’s genetic makeup isn’t on the table (yet), there are things parents and caregivers can do to help reverse obesity in children and teens. The first step is being invested and involved.

Studies have found that family-based efforts involving the child and at least one family member can be especially effective at helping children and teens lose weight. These programs often include nutritional and physical activity education, parent skills training, counseling, goal-setting, and behavioral changes. By modeling health choices and behaviors, parents and caregivers create a supportive environment for lifestyle changes.

For example, family meals provide the perfect setting to discuss healthy eating choices and provide children with the opportunity to be involved in meal planning.

Regular group physical activities, such as walking the dog, riding bikes, spontaneous dance parties, and walking to school or stores instead of driving, are great ways to spend time together while boosting weight loss and improving cardiovascular health. Start slowly and steadily increasing activity time to at least 30 minutes a day.

 

 

Limit screen time to increase health

Studies have shown that the rate of obesity is 8.3 times greater for children who watch television for 5 hours a day versus children who watch television for 2 hours or less a day.

 

 

Children with obesity often face stigma, which can impact their emotional and social well-being. Stigmatization can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and avoidance of physical activities, which may worsen the condition. Be open and honest with your child about any lifestyle changes you introduce. Instead of focusing on their weight, discuss how the changes will lead to better health for the whole family.  

A focus on empathy can help parents support their children while helping them develop a positive self-image and lead healthier lives.

For help or guidance on getting ahead of childhood obesity, talk to your child’s doctor.  

 

Kristin Andrew, MSN, APRN, is a member of the care team at SVMC Obstetrics and Gynecology.  

 

Print
1393

Theme picker


 

 

 

Ways to Help

At this difficult time, leaders and staff at Southwestern Vermont Health Care appreciate support from our communities. There are three major ways for members of the community to help front-line staff in their efforts to save lives.


Donate Funds
If you are able, donating money to the Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund is the most beneficial way to ensure staff have the vital equipment they need. The COVID-19 Relief Fund will be used to create additional negative pressure rooms; purchase life-saving supplies, such as ventilators, respirators, additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); implement a surge plan to expand patient care areas, including an off-site Respiratory Evaluation Center (REC); support of employees in distress; meet the need for assistance among patients and our communities. And now the CARES Act makes donating to non-profits more beneficial financially. Donations may be made online at svhealthcare.org/give-now.


Send Food to Staff
SVMC deployed an online tool to facilitate community members sending meals to front-line staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Community members can visit mealtrain.com/trains/v1w8yz and volunteer to purchase a meal for as few as two staff members or as many as 25. All recommended restaurants will make no-contact deliveries to SVMC in Bennington, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, and the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls, NY.

 

Donate Personal Protective Equipment
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is requesting the community to assist with donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The hospital currently needs the following PPE: N95 Masks, typically found in industrial businesses and home workshops; Nitrile gloves in all sizes; home-sewn cotton masks; and home-sewn cloth surgical caps, known also as scrub caps and skull caps. PPE donations are accepted through Catherine Hagadorn, program coordinator for the Quality, Safety, and Value Department, by e-mailing Catherine.Hagadorn@svhealthcare.org or calling 802-447-5600.

 

SVHC's medical team and essential staff are extremely grateful to the community for every contribution. Thank you! 

Theme picker


Theme picker


Theme picker


Our Services

PARTNERSHIP IS POWERFUL MEDICINE

A commitment to excellence and a patient-centered approach sets Southwestern Vermont Health Care apart.

 Cancer Care
 Orthopedics
 Emergency
 Maternity
 Primary Care
 ExpressCare
 Cardiology
 Rehab & Residential Care
View All Services

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker