ABSTRACT
National agencies continue to monitor obesity and overweight in children, revealing steady increases. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (Centers for Disease Control, 2006b), the prevalence of overweight children increased from 4% (1963 to 1970) to 15.8% (1999 to 2002). Among boys, the prevalence increased from 11.6% (1988 to 1994) to 16.9% (1999 to 2002). The prevalence among girls increased from 11% to 14.7% for the same time period. The prevalence of overweight for non-Hispanic black (19.8 %) and Mexican American (21.8%) children was greater than in non-Hispanic white children (13.5%) (1999 to 2002). Research revealed that children who become overweight by age 8 years are more severely obese as adults (Freedman, Kahn, Dietz, Srinivasan, & Berenson, 2001). Also, type 2 diabetes has increased significantly among children and adolescents as weights have increased. It is estimated that one in three Caucasian children born in 2000 and beyond will develop diabetes in their lifetime and that one in two African American and Mexican American children born during this time period will develop diabetes if the obesity epidemic is not curbed (Venkat-Narayan, Boyle, Thompson, Sorensen, & Williamson, 2003). The earliest indicators of heart disease and atherosclerosis begin early in childhood and there is an association between atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and poor dietary habits (Kavey et al., 2003). Because of these adverse health outcomes, there is a need to stress prevention and treatment of obesity. In order to adequately address obesity in a culturally appropriate manner, one must be cognizant of the effects of sociocultural and environmental impacts on this phenomenon. Health Risks Associated with Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
|
Type 2 diabetes |
|
Cardiovascular disease |
|
Metabolic syndrome |
|
Dyslipidemia |
|
Polycystic ovarian syndrome |
|
Psychological |
|
Pulmonary hypertension |
|
Gastrointestinal |
|
Neurological |
|
Orthopedic |
|
Advanced maturation |
|
Renal |
