Childhood Obesity: Need for Multipronged Approach

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing public health problem. Between 1970 and 2000, the
number of obese children in United States tripled.1 In 2009-2010, 30.4% of children and adolescents
aged 2 through 19 years were found to be overweight or obese.2 African American
and Hispanic children have been found to have higher rates of overweight and obesity than
Caucasian American children.3 Childhood obesity is particularly harmful as it is associated
with several short term medical consequences including adverse blood lipid profile, altered
glucose metabolism, obstructive sleep apnea and long term medical effects including higher
risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gall bladder disease, and osteoarthritis
in adulthood.4 The Bogalusa Heart Study found that by age 10 years, 60% of overweight children
have at least one biochemical or clinical cardiovascular risk factor and 25% have more
than two.5 Childhood overweight and obesity have also been linked with psychosocial problems
such as poor self-image, lowered self-esteem, eating disorders, and poor quality of life.