Childhood Obesity and Exercise

By Ellie Sweum, PT

Gateau Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

Childhood Obesity and Exercise

Would you be surprised to know that in 2010, nearly 43 million children below the age of five were overweight? According to the CDC, 18% of adolescents aged 12-19, 20% of children aged 6-11, and 10% of children aged 2-5 are obese. An estimate of the progression and cost of the U.S. obesity epidemic showed an increase in childhood obesity rates of 46-49% between the 1970's and 2004. If that rate persists, more than 80% of today's children will be overweight or obese adults by 2030 and 100% by 2048, costing $861-957 billion. One of the worst things about this epidemic is obesity is preventable.

Financial consequences of obesity are astronomical, but there are also physical and emotional consequences with childhood obesity. Years ago, diabetes in children was rare. At that time, diabetes was referred to as adult-onset diabetes. Because of the increased frequency of diabetes diagnoses in overweight children, it's now called type 2 diabetes. Research shows that there is a strong correlation between diabetes and obesity. Metabolic syndrome has become a common term in recent years and signals an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is elevated blood pressure and insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels all occurring together. Emotional consequences include low self-esteem, anxiety, social isolation, depression, risk-taking behaviors, and lack of concern about health.

Education at various levels is critical. One focus of education should be informing children and parents about the importance of daily exercise. The CDC recommends at least 60 minutes of exercise per day for children and adolescents. Of these 60 minutes, aerobic exercise should make up the largest majority. Although some days only require moderate-intensity aerobic activity, kids should strive to get vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise at least three days per week. Moderate intensity activities include brisk walking or bicycling. During these activities, it should be slightly difficult to hold a conversation. Vigorous intensity activities include jogging or playing a sport that requires constant movement. During these activities, it should be extremely difficult to hold a conversation.

Children should also participate in muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities at least three days per week. These activities include jumping rope, doing push-ups, climbing trees or doing gymnastics. Participation in sports, kids programs, or just pushing away from the video game or computer to go outside to play are all steps in the right direction. Also participation in group classes that offer both physical activities and general dietary information, such as that offered at a Medically Oriented Gym, is very beneficial in the fight against childhood obesity. Don't let your kids become part of this disturbing trend.