Pediatric Obesity - Why Worry? Al Gilpin, MD
McLeod Pediatric Orthopaedics
Pediatric Obesity in the modern sense refers to children who are both overweight and obese, as identified by their Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated using a child’s weight and height. Overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a BMI Percentile Calculator for Children and Teens at
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/
This is a very real problem for our society today.
If you compare the percent of obese children and adolescents from the years 1963-1970 to 1999-2002, the numbers look like this:
1963-1970 1999-2002
Percent of Obese Children and Adolescents Age 6 - 11 4%
16%
Age 12 - 19 5%
16%
So why worry about Pediatric Obesity? Pediatric Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem.
Children who are obese oſten suffer from depression and bullying. In addition, it can cause Endocrine, Orthopedic, Neurologic, Respiratory and Gastrointestinal problems in children, in addition to High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol. As a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, I see firsthand the devastating affects extra weight can have on children, causing them to suffer joint, leg and back pain when instead they should be playing pain-free. Additionally, obese children will likely become obese adults. If a preschooler is obese, they have a 33% chance that they will be obese as an adult. A school ager has a 50% risk, and an adolescent has an 80-90% risk. Adult obesity is associated with numerous health
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problems including Type II Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertension, Cancer, Joint Disease, Gall Bladder Disease, and Pulmonary Disease. There are many causes of Pediatric Obesity. We know
that weight is gained by an energy imbalance, when caloric intake is increased and physical activity is decreased. Additionally, in today’s culture, junk food is both easily accessible and heavily promoted by stars with sponsorships. Families are on-the-go and oſten find it easier to get a meal at a fast food drive-through. The lure of electronic devices, television and video games can outweigh the old-fashioned ways we used to play outside. Prevention is the key! Prevention actually begins
prenatally. Gestational diabetes and maternal smoking can predispose children to becoming obese. Aſter that, we need to be aware of our children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and raise concern if it begins to rapidly increase. If your family has a history of obesity, your child also has a greater risk. Nutritional guidance is also important and needs to
be a family effort. Encourage children to drink water and limit sweet beverages. Fruits and vegetables are filling and lower calorie alternatives. Sticking to structured meal times and eating as a family also helps children stay on track.
Encourage children in active play and physical activity
instead of more sedentary activities like watching television or playing on the computer or video games. Parents need to be positive role models. Eating healthy needs to be a family priority not just something the children stick too. Limit both eating out and eating in front of the television. Treatment can start with a physical exam by the
child’s physician and setting obtainable goals. Education is necessary to achieve those goals, and counseling may help as well. There are also medication and bariatric surgery options. In conclusion, pediatric obesity is an epidemic.
Know your child’s health risks and stay proactive in keeping them healthy.
Albert T. Gilpin, Jr., is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at McLeod Orthopaedics in Florence. Dr. Gilpin received his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina, where he also completed an Orthopedic residency. He also completed a Pediatric Orthopedic fellowship at Shriners Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. McLeod Orthopaedics is located at 800 East Cheves Street, Suite 480, in Florence, and can be reached at (843) 777-7900.
February 2014
shemagazine.com
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