Newsletters

Healthy Child Spring/Summer 2001

Adolescents and Obesity 

by JENNIFER GARGIULO, R.D.
OUTPATIENT NUTRITIONIST

There is an epidemic rise in childhood obesity with the prevalence increasing with every national nutritional survey since the early 1960's. Between 1963 - 1980, the prevalence of childhood obesity increased 54 percent among children 6-11 years old and 39 percent among adolescents 12-17 years. During the same time period, severe obesity increased by 98 percent among 6-11 year olds and 64 percent among 12-17 year olds.

Experts are still unable to agree upon the actual definition of childhood obesity. Some define obesity as Body Mass Index (BMI) in excess of the 85th percentile; others may use weight for height percentiles or percentage of ideal body weight. While none of these indices are 100 percent accurate, the Expert Committee on the Treatment and Prevention of Obesity and the International Task Force on Obesity suggests that BMI is an "accurate and easily available method to screen for childhood obesity." What has led to this increase and what can be done to control obesity in adolescents is a conundrum.

Obesity Trends

Food preferences developed in childhood remain fairly constant into adulthood. In a society that boasts "super size" meals, all-you-can-eat buffets and spends millions of dollars advertising to youngsters, it can be quite a challenge for a child to develop good eating habits. Adolescents can become overweight as a result of several factors including lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and genetic predisposition, or from a combination of these factors. Adolescents are spending more time in front of the computer or television and less time being physically active. It is clear that this leads to excess weight gain. It would seem that the analysis of this problem is so simple yet with all that is known, more of our nation's children are becoming obese.

It is also important to note that consuming high calorie foods is common while sitting at the computer or watching television. Children are eating more meals away from home and those meals are often high in fat and low in fiber-rich carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is easy for children to consume high fat, calorie-dense foods because many kids are responsible for providing their own meals, especially breakfast and lunch. It would be difficult not to spot a food court in the mall, soda machines in schools and a fast-food restaurant around every corner.

Another trend that is important to mention is the shift from drinking milk to more non-citrus juices, juice drinks and other calorie-dense beverages. Drinking juice is fine. However drinking juice all day long is not, even if it is 100 percent juice. Excessive juice consumption can lead to tooth decay and, in studies where children consumed more than 12 ounces a day, it was found to be associated with increased obesity and reduced height in 2-5 year old children. It is very important to remember that juice contains calories; drinking more than 12 ounces a day of apple juice can add up to almost 200 extra calories. It only takes 50 extra calories a day to lead to an excess weight gain of five pounds a year.

The Role of Parents

What are parents to do if they have an overweight adolescent? First and foremost, obesity is a complex issue. Growing teenagers should not be put on an adult weight loss plan. It is important to remember that food is not the only thing that can affect a child's weight. There are many psychological aspects to being overweight and these aspects need to be addressed. Do not assume your adolescent is making the right food choices. Ask what he or she ate for breakfast or lunch, and if you are unsure of what to offer your child, contact a Registered Dietitian for nutritional advice. Encourage physical activity. Walking or bike riding with your kids is a great way to spend quality time while burning a few extra calories! Speak to your pediatrician about any concerns you may have regarding your child's weight. Addressing the problem now may prevent a lifetime of weight-related health problems.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center now offers a program to encourage healthy eating in children. Children's Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Program (CHOW) is designed to both inform and motivate children to eat better. The curriculum consists of ten lessons on healthful eating and active living. The program is targeted toward children ages 9-15. Topics include the diet-disease connection, healthy eating, food advertising, food labels, exercise and healthy lifestyle. Please call the Outpatient Nutrition Department at (973) 322-5664 for more information.

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