CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama

Health

Discussion

February 22, 2007

Recognize obesity in your children

By Dr. James E. Moody

Pediatricians and parents are concerned about the rising rates of obesity among children and are now recognizing the need for action. Over the past three decades, the number of children who are overweight or obese has doubled from 15 percent in the 1970s to nearly 30 percent today. Nationally, there are 25 million children and adolescents who are categorized as overweight or obese.

Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood “says Dr. Moody.” Implementing prevention programs and having a better understanding of treatment for children is important to controlling the obesity epidemic.

A measurement called the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is based on a combination of height and weight, is used to determine if a person is overweight or obese. According to national averages from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if a child is ranked between the 85th and 95th percentile they are considered overweight. Children in the 96th percentile and higher are considered obese.

Although there are some genetic and hormonal causes of childhood obesity, most excess weight is the result of poor dietary habits and inactivity. “If children consume more calories than they expand through exercise and normal physical activity, they gain weight, says Moody.” Many factors could increase a child’s risk of becoming overweight:



Diet

Regular consumption of high-calorie foods, such as fast foods and vending machine snacks contribute to weight gain. Soft drinks, candy and desserts are also high in calories.



Inactivity

Children with little or no physical activity are more likely to gain weight because they are not burning calories. Activities such as watching television or playing video games should be balanced with physical activities.



Genetics

If obesity runs in the family, a child may be genetically predisposed to put on excess weight, especially in an environment where high-calorie food is available and physical activity isn’t encouraged.



Psychological Factors

Some children overeat to cope with problems or to deal with emotions, such as stress or boredom.

Certain hard-to-control factors can also contribute to a child’s risk of becoming obese. For example, children from minority to low-income backgrounds are at greater risk of obesity. Research shows poverty and obesity often go hand in hand because low-income parents may lack the time and resources to make healthy eating and exercise a family priority.

Obese children can develop serious health problems, such as Type II diabetes and heart disease. Overweight children are also at higher risk of developing:

‰ High blood pressure;

‰ Asthma and other respiratory problems;

‰ Sleep disorders;

‰ Liver disease; and/or

‰ Eating disorders.

Children, unlike adults, need extra nutrients and calories to fuel their growth and development. If you would like more information on how to prevent obesity or steps your family can take to ensure a healthy lifestyle, please contact Dr. James E. Moody at 747-1186.

Text Only
Health
  • Don’t Pass the salt, please

    Salt is probably the most widely used condiment in the world. It’s no secret that salt makes almost everything taste better, with the possible exception of ice cream.

    June 23, 2010

  • Strawberry Fluff.jpg Got the Munchies? How to Choose Healthy Snacks

    When you get hungry for a healthy snack, where do you turn? Some vending machines contain a few healthy selections like juices, fruit or yogurt. You can bring your own granola bars, fruit, sunflower seeds or vegetables, like raw carrots, celery or radishes with you to the office. This will satisfy that need for something crunchy, while providing you with some of the five servings of fruits and vegetables that you need daily.
     

    June 23, 2010 1 Photo

  • Shopping Guide for Nutritious Meals

    There may not be a one-stop-shopping place for all the healthy foods you need to make every recipe you want to try, but you can find lots of nutritious ingredients and whole, natural foods at local grocery stores, farmer’s markets and health food stores.
     

    June 23, 2010

  • Where to go for a specialized nutritional plan?


    There are scores of books, infomercials, pamphlets and other kinds of literature on nutrition. The shelves of bookstores are filled with literally thousands of books that are loaded with good advice on eating balanced diets, taking nutritional supplements and organic gardening. Many Web sites have healthy recipes for people who are concerned about what goes into their bodies. Weight loss centers and doctors who specialize in healthy weight loss are springing up all over the country to help combat a national epidemic of obesity.

    June 23, 2010

  • What’s all he fuss about body-weight, body fat, and what is a BMI?

     Body Mass Index- or BMI - is a term used by doctors and weight loss professionals to help determine the fat content in a person’s body make-up. It is a general - but not specific- indicator of how much fat is present.

    June 23, 2010

  • Organic gardening.jpg Organic vs. Inorganic Gardening

     We’ve all heard horror stories about how dangerous commercial fertilizers and pesticides are. But the future of these chemical based sprays and systemic gardening materials may look brighter.

    June 23, 2010 1 Photo

  • Super foods, Live Foods and Whole Foods - What they can do for you

    The newest buzzwords in the world of nutrition and health foods — superfood — refers foods that are filled with phytonutrients. Whole foods, and live foods, are other terms you should become familiar with, as they are extremely beneficial to your health.
     

    June 23, 2010

  • Blueberries.jpg Good things come in small packages

    Consider the humble blueberry, not as large and showy as other summer fruits, like for instance a juicy peach, or an impressive watermelon. But the diminutive little blueberry is packed with nutrients that will not only make you healthier, but smarter.
         

    June 23, 2010 1 Photo

  • Nutrition’s Role in Your Lifestyle starts earlier than you think

    Before you were even born, your mother played a role in giving you a healthy or an unhealthy start in life.

    June 19, 2010

  • Health dept. preparing for flu season By Karen Williamson

    KARENW@CULLMANTIMES.COM

    While mandatory reporting for flu cases is not required at the moment, the Cullman County Health Department is gearing up to offer vaccines to lessen a potential outbreak.

    October 16, 2007