First, let us define obesity. There is a formula to assess a person’s degree of being overweight. It is referred to as body mass index (BMI). It uses weight and height to calculate a percentile that is compared to other children of the same age and sex. A BMI of 85 or higher is used as a cutoff for healthy weight. Although BMI is not a perfect measurement, it is a good starting place for the conversation of whether an individual is overweight for their respective height and build.
Why are so many children obese? There are many answers to that question. Our society has evolved from an agricultural lifestyle with physical labor to produce food and shelter to a more urban “touch of a finger” or “click of a mouse“ delivery method of goods and services. Suburbanization has replaced walking to school and stores with carpools and gigantic student parking lots at high schools. The advent of screen time with all the multimedia promoting sedentary gaming was one more blow to physical activity in our youth. Television ads constantly tempt our children with sugary cereals and other junk foods. In addition, there is the valid concern of parents about letting their children play unattended in an age of increasing violence toward the young. As the typical household is trying to make ends meet, fast food represents a cheap and quick solution for exhausted parents. I am often amazed and bewildered that it is cheaper to buy fast food than healthy meats, fruits and vegetables from the store. This confluence of problems and issues is the recipe for childhood obesity.
The good news is that parents want their children to be healthier, and recognize that working on obesity is one way to have healthier kids. TV, despite the obvious downfalls, is a conduit of information, and knowledge is power. Schools are responding to the obesity crisis by eliminating vending machines and delivering healthier meals. Fast food franchises are making efforts to provide healthier choices. Primary care providers are recognizing weight gain trends and counseling parents of young children who are at risk for obesity. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the Food Pyramid with the MyPlate guidelines. This concept has much more appeal because it actually refers to every meal instead of daily total intake. In addition, the MyPlate program provides easy-to-understand guidance on how to build a meal with all the necessary nutrition and balance of carbohydrates and protein as well the importance of vegetables and fruit.
The obesity epidemic has hit an all-time high, but as an obesity specialist of 20 years, I have been seeing a change for the better. Parents are concerned for their children. They do not want them to have the shorter lifespan that has been predicted for this generation. People from all socioeconomic levels want a better life for their children. I am very optimistic that we will end this epidemic during our children’s lifetimes.
Deidre L. McSweeney-Tyson, M.D.
Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Associates 5875 Bremo Road MOB South, Suite 303