RUNNING HEADER: CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Angelita S. Pierce
December 6, 2013
Wayne State University
SW:3810

Childhood Obesity

Abstract
This study shows how childhood obesity can have an everlasting effect on a child. The study
goes over immediate health effects and long-term health effects. In this paper you will read
about how childhood obesities can cause depression, poor self-esteem and many other things.
You will also read about the history of obesities in general and hopefully gain an understanding
that it is not just a think in the United States. I have listed statistics regarding how childhood
obesities has doubled and then tripled in recent years, and you will also read about the cause for
the rise in childhood obesities. I will also be discussing a few programs that can help children
overcome childhood obesities. Lastly I will discuss the steps that social workers can and should
do in order to help children who may be suffering with childhood obesities.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic that affects not only children but the people
around them as well. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and
adolescents. In the United States one-third of kids are overweight or obese and at risk of health
problems. Obesity is defined as having excess body fat2. It occurs when a child is well above
the normal weight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling
because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once
confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity
can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression and has both immediate and long-term effects
on health and well-being. Some examples of the immediate and long-term health effects are as
followed:
Immediate health effects:

Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high
cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5 to 17-year-olds,
70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.4

Obese adolescents are more likely to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood
glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.4,6

Childhood Obesity

Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems,
sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor selfesteem.6

Long-term health effects:

Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore
more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke,
several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. One study showed that children who became
obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults.3

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer,
including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall
bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkins
lymphoma.3.6
Due to the rising frequency of obesity in children and its many opposing health effects it

is being recognized as a serious public health concern. Obese children often suffer from teasing
by their peers. Stereotypes abound and may lead to low self-esteem and depression. Some are
even harassed or discriminated against by their own family.7
To fully realize the effect of childhood obesity it is important to discuss the impact it has
on children. Up to one out of every five children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this
number is on a constant rise. 1 Children are at high risk of becoming overweight adults, placing
them at risk of developing prolonged diseases that can have detrimental effects on their bodies
and that may lead to early deaths. They are also more inclined to develop sadness, stress, and

Childhood Obesity

low self-esteem. Children become overweight and obese for a multitude of reasons. The most
common causes are lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns and a combination of
these factors. A child's diet and activity level plays an important role in determining a child's
weight. Today, many children spend a lot of time being inactive. The average child spends
approximately four hours each day watching television 9. The more popular computers and video
games become, the number of hours of inactivity may increase.
When analyzing the issues with childhood obesity it is important to know the history
behind this growing epidemic. The history of childhood obesity is well known in the United
States as well as many other countries (as it is not only of local concern but has become a global
issue as well).
Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the
past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 611 years in the United States who were obese
increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged
1219 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period. One out of six
children is obese, and one out of three children are overweight or obese. In the 1970s, 5 percent
of U.S. children ages 2 to 19 were obese, according to the CDCs current definition; by 2008,
nearly 17 percent of children were obese, a percentage that held steady through 20107.
Though the overall U.S. child obesity rate has held steady since 2008, some groups have
continued to see increases, and some groups have higher rates of obesity than others. These facts
will allow people to start on the same page and to continue on this journey together for the
betterment of our children and their futures. The Centers for Disease Control reports the United
States has been struggling with obesity for well over 30 years now and regarding childhood

Childhood Obesity

obesity7. Data from their surveys comparing the 1970's to the 2000's show that the prevalence of
obesity has increased for children of all ages at least 3 times over to about 20% of our population
less than 19 years old (adult obesity approaches almost 35% in some states) 7. There is an eyeopening depiction of U.S. obesity trends by state and race/ethnicity. Obesity appears to be most
commonly seen in the African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations and in
lower income families (although this difference is diminishing and it seems to be affecting all
classes, at least to some degree) 9. It is important to note that increasing awareness over the past
several years as well as effective interventions have seemed to perhaps start making a small
difference in that, in some populations, researchers are starting to see evidence of some
stabilization of the increase in obesity. There is not a decrease, but it seems that it is not rising at
a rate as quickly as it used to be.
Schools play a particularly critical role in childhood obesity by establishing a safe and
supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also
provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity
behaviors. On December 2, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act, a reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. This practice gave more children
access to nutritious meals and removed junk food and sugary beverages from vending machines
in schools.

The American Heart Association strongly believes that a healthier school

environment will nurture academic achievement and reduce childhood obesity rates.
The White House officially kicked off First Lady Michelle Obama's childhood obesity
initiative, the Let's Move campaign. The same day, a new foundation was launched to bring
together public, private and nonprofit sectors to address the epidemic of childhood obesity and
support the goals of the First Ladys campaign. The two events mark a turning point in the

Childhood Obesity

national movement to address the epidemic. Mrs. Obamas campaign has also led to
improvements in the access to and content of school meals (which are where many children get
the bulk of their calories and nutrition). In late 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free
Kids Act, which for the first time in 30 years increased funding for school breakfasts and lunches
above the inflation rate 7.9. The act also gives the Agriculture Department authority to set health
standards for all foods sold on school property, including those in vending machines. Finally, it
reduced government paperwork to establish eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals,
ensuring that tens of thousands more children will get healthy food they need7,9.
Another program set in place to tackle the troubles of childhood obesities is the NFL
(National Football League) PLAY 60.

The American Heart Association and the National

Football League have teamed up to create the PLAY 60 Challenge, a program that inspires kids
to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day in school and at home. It also
helps schools become places that encourage physically active lifestyles year-round.

This

program was solely designed to tackle childhood obesity with the help of the players, owners and
management of the NFL. NFL PLAY 60 is implemented at the grassroots level through NFL's in
school, after-school and team-based programs. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative is prominent during
the NFL's key calendar events, including Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Draft, Kickoff and
Thanksgiving and is supported by many NFL players and coaches year round.
Not all children carrying extra pounds are overweight or obese. Some children have
larger than average body frames. And children normally carry different amounts of body fat at
the various stages of development. So a person might not know just by looking at a child if his
or her weight is a health concern. Children whose parents or brothers or sisters are overweight
may be at an increased risk of becoming overweight themselves, but this can be linked to share

Childhood Obesity

family behaviors such as eating and activity habits. If a person has an overweight child, it is very
important that they allow him or her to know that you will be supportive. Children's feelings
about themselves often are based on their parents' feelings about them, and if accepted, child at
any weight, will be more likely to feel good about themselves 7. It is also important to talk to
children about their weight, allowing them to share their concerns.
It could be very difficult as a parent to cope with the mental and physical struggles of raising
an obese child. It is not recommended that parents set children apart because of their weight.
Instead, parents should focus on gradually changing their family's physical activity and eating
habits. By involving the entire family, everyone is taught healthful habits and the overweight
child does not feel singled out. There are many ways to involve the entire family in healthy
habits, but increasing the family's physical activity is especially important. Some ways to
accomplish this include:

Lead by example. If your children see that you are physically active and having fun, they
are more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of their lives8.

Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise, like walking, biking, or
swimming8.

Be sensitive to your child's needs. Overweight children may feel uncomfortable about
participating in certain activities. It is important to help your child find physical activities
that they enjoy and that aren't embarrassing or too difficult8.

Make an effort to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend in sedentary
activities, such as watching TV or playing video games8.

Childhood Obesity

Whatever approach parents choose to take regarding an overweight child, the purpose is not to
make physical activity and following a healthy diet a chore, but to make the most of the
opportunities you and your family have to be active and healthy.
It is essential that social workers work with physicians, nurses, dieticians, physical
therapists, schools, communities, and families in treating childhood obesity. Social workers
understand that the family is part of a bigger community that needs to change, and supporting on
behalf of the child can help with successful weight loss. Social workers understand that a child
is part of a family and that family lifestyles need to be addressed for treatment. Social workers
understand that a level of cultural sensitivity is needed when addressing food issues. Finally,
social workers understand that focusing on the strengths of a child and his or her family helps to
empower them all to create a successful atmosphere for lifestyle change. When all these things
come together with the rest of the medical teams intervention, a child can successfully combat
obesity.
Social workers are especially suited to addressing childhood obesity with individual
children and families. Social workers should understand that the complex nature of obesity
requires a sensitive but straightforward approach that addresses both the medical and mental
health needs of the child. With their strengths and necessary training on such issues, social
workers can encourage children and families to be self-advocates in addressing obesity. Training
in cultural competence ensures that social workers understand that different communities have
different traditions related to food, which must be understood and respected.
Social work is an essential component of treatment programs for obese children and their
families. Social workers can encourage daily physical education requirements for all students.
Studies consistently show that more time in physical education and other school-based physical

Childhood Obesity

10

activity does not adversely affect academic performance 1. Social workers can also promote the
establishment of in-school programs that teach adolescents healthy cooking, nonteam sport
physical activities, and behavioral skills.

REFERENCES
1. National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2011: With Special Features on
Socioeconomic Status and Health. Hyattsville, MD; U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services; 2012.
2. National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Disease and
Conditions Index: What Are Overweight and Obesity? Bethesda, MD: National Institutes
of Health; 2010.
3. Krebs NF, Himes JH, Jacobson D, Nicklas TA, Guilday P, Styne D. Assessment of child
and adolescent overweight and obesity. Pediatrics 2007;120:S193S228.
4. Daniels SR, Arnett DK, Eckel RH, et al. Overweight in children and adolescents:
pathophysiology, consequences, prevention, and treatment. Circulation 2005;111;1999
2002.
5. CDC. National diabetes fact sheet: national estimates and general information on diabetes
and prediabetes in the United States, 2011 Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
6. Dietz WH. Overweight in childhood and adolescence. New England Journal of Medicine
2004;350:855-857.
7. Barlow SE, et al. Expert committee recommendations regarding the prevention, assessment
and treatment of child and adolescent overweight and obesity: Summary report. Pediatrics.
2007;120:S164.
8. Shrewsbury VA, et al. The role of parents in pre-adolescent and adolescent overweight and
obesity treatment: A systematic review of clinical recommendations. Obesity Reviews.
2011;12:759.
9. Baur LA, et al. Assessment and management of obesity in childhood and adolescence.
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2011;8:635.

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10. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/Obesity/Childhood
-Obesity_UCM_304347_Article.jsp#
11. http://children.webmd.com/guide/obesity-children?page=2