One-third to one-half of our children are considered overweight or obese. This is a very alarming statistic because of the implication regarding health. Children who are overweight typically have lower self-esteem than do their normal-weight peers. Further, the excess pounds may be harmful to their health now, and as adults since it has been amply demonstrated that obese children typically become obese adults.
The BMI (body mass index) is a tool commonly used in the evaluation of a child's weight by considering height and age. The BMI does not directly determine body fat but it is a reliable indicator of the likelihood of high body fat.
Once the BMI has been determined, it can be compared against norms for various age groups provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. This comparison will provide a "BMI percentile" which will place the child's weight in the range of:
• Underweight (less than 5th percentile)
• Healthy weight (5th to under 85th percentile)
• Overweight (85th to less than 95th percentile
• Obese (95th percentile and above)
If the BMI percentile indicates "Overweight" or "Obese", the physician will probably perform a more extensive exam to determine whether the BMI represents fat tissue or whether it is high because of the child's natural structural make-up. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that screening for weight issues begin at age two.
It is important that parents and guardians not make the mistake of applying data from adults to children on their own. The numbers are calculated the same way but the "rules for interpretation" are different in children. The weight and height of children is constantly changing and only a health care professional can determine whether or not the numbers are bad for your child.
If you have been told that your child is overweight or obese, there are 4 relatively simple steps you can take to help him or her back to the road of good health:
1. Provide healthy meals and snacks every day. Emphasize fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meats and reduced-fat dairy products.
2. Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages.
3. Minimize "screen time"...that time which your child spends in front of the computer, TV, or other electronic devices.
4. Ensure that your child gets adequate physical exercise. Most children do not. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get a minimum of 60 minutes exercise per day.
Good eating habits and adequate physical exercise are essential in order for your child to be healthy and to minimize the risk of disease and adult obesity.
Get them to stop drinking sugary pop today! That will improve BMI quickly.
By Sue Bristol, R.N.
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