Childhood Obesity: A Primer for Parents

By Michael Bihari, MD
President, Board of Directors, Community Health Center of Cape Cod and member of the Falmouth Public Schools Health Advisory Committee

In recent years, health officials have become more and more troubled by the rapid increase in obesity among children. During the past 25 years, the percentage of overweight U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 11 has more than doubled. And, the percentage of overweight teenagers has tripled.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you combine the number of kids who are overweight with the number of kids who are at risk of becoming overweight, about one out of three children are affected.

Overweight children are at risk for serious medical problems, which could affect their present and future health and quality of life. These include conditions that were once considered adult diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Overweight children may also be prone to depression related to low self-esteem from being teased or rejected by peers.

This article is the first in a series that will explore the problem of childhood obesity, including:
• Information about normal growth and how it is measured
• Causes of obesity in children
• How parents can help prevent obesity in their children
• Practical guidance for helping a child who is overweight