Childhood Obesity - A Growing Concern

“Houston, we have a problem.” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over the past decade, the prevalence of obesity in children has doubled. The prevalence of obesity in adolescents has tripled. In 2007, 32 percent of Texas high-school students were overweight or obese. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 31.9% of children and adolescents were overweight (BMI at or above the 85th percentile) and 16.3% were obese (BMI at or above 95th percentile). Due to the rising prevalence of pediatric obesity, it is recognized as a serious public health concern.

Children and adolescents who are overweight and/or obese are at a higher risk for potentially fatal health problems as they grow older. Some of the more obvious physical health conditions resulting from obesity are asthma, sleep apnea, dermatological skin conditions and joint pain. Underneath the excess skin, there can be serious and life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension (high blood pressure). Overweight adolescents and children can also develop fatty liver disease and gallstones.

Not only do these obese kids develop physical health issues, but being overweight can create serious mental health problems such as low self-esteem, unrealistic body image, anxiety and depression. These factors can contribute to poor academic performance which only compounds their low self-esteem issues. Within their own peer group, they suffer from teasing and bullying which can produce long-term negative effects on their mental health.

There are many different factors which contribute to pediatric obesity. The most obvious is a child’s eating habits. Today’s fast-paced society has contributed to having calorie-rich foods and liquids obtainable. Eating at fast food restaurants has become an integral part of daily routine for families. A popular McDonald’s commercial shows a mother and father competing to provide a “Happy Meal” for a small child. In addition, fast food establishments give out toys in their children’s meal as an enticement for return business. Another contributing factor in pediatric obesity is lack of exercise. Children and adolescents stay inside playing video games or watching television. America has evolved into a society of couch potatoes. Children who don’t exercise are more likely to become overweight because they aren’t burning calories through physical exercise. Children who come from a family of overweight people are genetically predisposed to becoming obese, especially in an environment where high-calorie food is always available and physical activity isn’t encouraged.

Since medications and surgery aren’t recommended for school age children, there are healthy choices parents can implement to reduce negative behavior patterns. Even small changes can make a huge difference in a child’s life. With regards to healthy eating, parents are the ones who buy the food so parents can control what is consumed by their children. When shopping at a local grocery store, choose fruits and vegetables. Foods of convenience, such as cookies, crackers, and prepared meals contain large amounts of sugar, preservatives and fats. Limit the intake of high-calorie liquids and sweetened beverages, including fruit juices. Liquids of this type provide limited nutrients and unlimited calories. When approaching meal time, make a plan to sit together for family meals. Eating in front of the television, computer screen or video game leads to eating quickly and a lowered awareness of the volume of food consumed. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) in 2007, 39% of Texas adolescents in grades 9-12 watch television for 3 or more hours per day on an average school day. Prepare meals at home with children rather than eating out at restaurants as many menu options are loaded in sodium, saturated fats and calories.

Combining physical activity with healthier eating choices can help fight the battle against childhood obesity. Other suggestions from the Mayo Clinic to increase physical activity in children are to limit television and video game time to two hours or less per day. Another consideration would be to limit other sedentary activities such as telephone & computer usage. When considering exercise, focus on fun activities such as playing tag, hide & seek or hiking a trail to look for unique leaves or creatures. As the parent, set the example by being engaged in physical activity and including all family members in these activities.

Parents are crucial to the emotional needs and development of children, overweight or not. Take advantage of every opportunity to praise children verbally. An overweight child struggles with their self-esteem and body image, so be sensitive to the needs and feelings. Be aware that a child may view your concern as a reprimand or insult. Be direct, honest and open with children without being critical or judgmental when discussing their weight.

There are no set answers or solutions to this overwhelming issue. There isn’t a magic want to be waived and “Poof” children will lose weight instantly. This problem takes dedication and hard work from the children suffering from obesity and every member of their respective support system. Houston, we MUST find a solution!

Healthy Choices

The choices you make on a daily basis determine the measure of your success after your weight-loss surgery. Regardless of the type of procedure, there are a few options that can benefit and help you achieve greater success. Whether it is changing the composition of certain meals; keeping an accurate food journal or finding creative ways to incorporate more activity into our daily routine, there are conscious decisions you can make to reach your targeted goal weight. Here are some easy ideas for you to try!


Healthier Salad Choices – Yes, our salads definitely need a make-over! Many people load up on high-calorie ingredients thinking “I’m eating healthy – it’s a SALAD!” However, upon closer examination, most Caesar salads with chicken and dressing contain as little as 750 calories and as many as 1,500 calories.

According to Leslie Bonci, a registered dietician and director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, salads can be tasty and nutritious by adding a few “surprise” ingredients packed with vitamins and the good stuff our bodies’ need. For example, adding a serving of edamame or soy beans can add 95 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and a whopping 8 grams of protein. Be sure to get them frozen and removed from the pod for easier additions to your salad. Another suggestion is to add Pepperoncini peppers for a spicy kick! These small cousins to a bell pepper will add zesty flavor for only 17 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber and a gram of protein.

Another suggestion for eating dressing with your salad is to measure a serving of dressing and to simply dip your fork into the dressing. This will eliminate extra calories from your diet. Use lemon juice as a dressing to coat your salad greens or make your own dressing so that you can control the ingredients and calories. If you are craving “ranch” dressing, try making it with fat-free sour cream and fat-free buttermilk, which will save you calories. There are a lot of herbs and spices that can be mixed with vinegar, grapeseed oil, lemon zest and lemon juice to create a healthy alternative to prepared dressing.

Exercise – The amount of activity or lack of activity definitely affects your weight-loss journey. Most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of activity three times per week. If you are unable to go to a gym or structured exercise activity, there are lots of ways to incorporate more activity into your life. For example, when shopping, park your car as far away from the entrance as possible. When perusing the super large store, walk a lap or two around the store before beginning to fill your shopping cart. Get outside and weed your flower beds or take a walk in a nice park. With the weather becoming more and more beautiful, there is no reason to be a couch potato. But for those who love television, here is a challenge for you: While you are watching television, “pump” up your upper body strength by lifting soup cans during the program. There is even a public television station which broadcasts a show entitled “Sit and be fit”. You can visit http://www.sitandbefit.org should you need instructions.

Attitude/Outlook – Even though you have had bariatric surgery, you still have to mentally prepare yourself on a daily basis. The surgery only gives you the tool; you still have to learn how to use it properly. Consider is the way you talk to yourself throughout the day. Are you staying positive and praising yourself for the progress you’ve made? Keep a chart of your changes. Accurately report your change in measurements, not just the amount you weigh. Reward yourself with a shopping trip and try something on you think won’t fit. You may be surprised! And before you put anything other than water in your mouth, are you asking “Am I eating to satisfy my physical hunger or am I eating to fill an emotional void?” The Mayo Clinic defines emotional eating as “a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness.” Eating for emotional comfort is the hardest habit to break. Be sure to work on this aspect daily by not allowing yourself to graze between meals. If you are struggling with this problem, please visit your nearest support group. Talking with others who are travelling down the same path can illuminate a healthy solution.

Every day your life is filled with options. You decide whether you will make the healthy choice. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a lot of mental effort. Be conscious of the calories and nutrients you are putting in your body. Remember, only YOU control what goes into your mouth. A healthy lifestyle consists of burning more calories than you consume, so exercise is a MUST! Remember to nurture your emotional health – get out there and connect with others! The bariatric community is warm and welcoming! A new life is just waiting for you! Get off that couch and get busy!