We are in the midst of a childhood obesity epidemic. According the the most recent data published from the CDC roughly 20% of adolescents ages 12-19 are considered obese, and significantly more adolescents are considered overweight. This problem begins early in childhood with 13.9% of kids age 2-5 being considered obese, and is something that is often carried through one's lifetime with 71.6% of adults over 20 years old considered overweight or obese according the the CDC.
A child or adolescent is considered overweight when they have a body mass index (BMI) between the 85-95% of kids their own age and sex. When a child or adolescent has a BMI >95% for kids the same age and sex, then that child is considered obese.
The obesity epidemic is multifaceted as there are physical, genetic, medical and psychological causes contributing to one's weight. Not only are there multiple causes, but there are significant physical, medical and psychological effects on children who suffer from obesity.
From a medical standpoint we are beginning to see more children suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea and even type 2 diabetes. These medical conditions carry significant cardiovascular risk to the children as they grow into adulthood and putting them at risk for heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Furthermore, from an orthopaedic perspective children who are overweight and obese are at higher risk for joint problems such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE- a surgical emergency), fractures/broken bones needing surgery to fix, and wound infections or wound healing complications after surgery. In addition to the physical effects of obesity, there are significant psychological effects putting these children at risk for low self-esteem, bullying, depression and eating disorders.
While I don't want to point blame, parents and adult family members have a huge impact on a child's weight, particularly when the kids are still young. Children will eat the food you purchase and serve them. If the kitchen is filled with soft drinks, chips, cookies, and junk food (or if that is what the child sees you as a parent always eating), then that's what the kids will grow up eating. On the other hand, if the kitchen if full of fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, water, and other healthy snacks, then that's what they will grow up craving. Serving healthy, well balanced meals from a very young age is important, as it's much harder to change a child's eating habits the older they get.
We personally encourage our kids to be healthy by having fruit in the evenings for dessert, and offering healthy snacks such as almonds, pistachios, cheese, deli meats, or veggies (their personal favorites are baby carrots, grape tomatoes, avocado and cucumber slices). Our kids literally run to the fridge after they eat their dinner and open the fruit drawer to pick out what fruits we are going to share as a family for dessert- (tonight we split a grapefruit, a pear and a nectarine). Setting healthy expectations and teaching balance from a young age doesn't mean you have to deprive a child of ever having sweets or junk food, but these are special treats and not an everyday food choice.
In addition to teaching your kids healthy eating habits, installing the importance of physical activity is extremely important when it comes to fighting obesity. I often tell my patient's and their families, it doesn't necessarily matter what the activity is, all that truly matters is that you get active. Too many children nowadays are living sedentary lifestyles. Most kids no longer get PE or recess at school and then they come home and spend their afternoons and evenings on the computer/video game/tv. Kids (and adults) need to move to be healthy! You can go play on a playground, run or bike outside, or even just turn on music and have a dance party at home for 30 minutes of physical activity. Personally we love to go for a family walk or have a crazy dance party in the living room after dinner. On the weekends our girls do gymnastics and soccer, and we usually spend the afternoon playing at the park or backyard when the weather is nice.
I encourage you to look at your families habits and see what you're doing well and what you can improve on to help your kids grow up healthy and happy. Can you try to be more active? Can you drink more water? Eat more veggies or fruit? Limit sweets to once a week? All these small steps add up and are important for fighting the childhood obesity epidemic.