Whether a child or adult, obesity occurs when a person eats more calories than the body burns up.  Genetics, biology, behavior and culture all enter into the complex reasons why a child becomes obese.  Parents and their weight also enter into the equation.  If one parent is obese the child has a 50% chance of  becoming obese.  And if both parents are obese the chances jump to 80%.  Only 1% can be attributed to physical problems. Obesity in children and adolescents can be linked to:

*poor eating habits

*overeating and even binging

*lack of exercise

*family history

*family and peer problems

*low self-esteem

*stressful like changes (divorce, moves, deaths, separations)

Risks for an overweight or obese child  can include:

*increased risk of heart disease

*high blood pressure

*diabetes

*breathing problems

*trouble sleeping.

Another complication associated with child or adolescent obesity is emotional problems.  Many times teens with weight problems suffer from lower self-esteem and are less popular with their peers.  Being overweight can also cause depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

(Next month—How to help children who are obese)

Part 3

Before beginning any weight loss program an obese child needs to be evaluated by a doctor.  If there is no physical cause for the child being obese, then the only way to lose the weight is to reduce the number of calories and increase physical activity.  Lasting weight loss can occur only when there is self-motivation. 

Sadly, obesity is frequently a lifelong issue.  Once a goal has been reached, many children, adolescents and even adults regain their weight as they fall back into the old eating and lack of exercise habits.

Parents of obese children can help improve a child’s self esteem by focusing on the child’s strengths, not just their weight issues.  They can help the child become successful by making healthy eating and exercise, a family activity in which every member participates.

Here are other ways to help manage a child’s obesity:

*Change the family’s eating habits (eating slowly, eating at the same time each day).

*Plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid both junk and fast foods).

*Control portion sizes in order to consume less calories.

*Increase physical activity, especially walking, and encourage the family to have a more active lifestyle.

*Know what your child eats at school.

*Do not use food as a reward.

*Limit snacking.

*Eat meals as a family at a table instead of in front of the TV or computer.

Remember, obesity can begin very early in life, so good choices are important even for an infant.  Overweight children need the help of responsible adults to get them on the right track and keep them there