Child Obesity has doubled and even tripled over the past few years, especially in the age group of 6-11 years. This epidemic of childhood
obesity needs to be attended to, but there is little concrete evidence to support it. Appropriate health interventions have to be based on more
than hype and exaggeration.
Child obesity research centres are being set up by health and human development institutions. The mission of these centres is to conduct
research into childhood obesity and to find ways of preventing it.
The research on childhood obesity aims to suggest changes at multiple levels in the society, starting at the family unit and stretching to the
entire community at large. These suggestions will lead to interventions to provide support to individuals, schools, families, communities and
health care providers to encourage healthy eating patterns and and increased levels of physical activities among children and adolescents. These
changes are essential to reduce the risks associated with childhood obesity, and should promote age-appropriate growth and development in
children.
Some Statistics Based on Research on Childhood Obesity
A study was conducted involving 5,500 children measuring the fat mass of the children. The conclusion was that the gradual onset of obesity in
children was directly linked to low levels of activity.
Apart from the obvious conclusion that obese children have low levels of physical activity, it is difficult to measure body fat versus energy
expenditure accurately. Because of this it has not been clear until now if it is the excess of calories consumed or the lack of exercise
contributing the most to the childhood obesity epidemic.
Another factor highlighted by the research on child obesity showed that children with lower levels of activity had higher fat mass levels, and
also that boys suffered more from this than girls.
The research on childhood obesity indicates that children are more prone to become obese before the age of 16. Teenagers over the age of 16
are at a lower risk of becoming obese.
Treatment for Childhood Obesity
It is important to stabilize the weight of growing children, and allow them to grow into their weight. A complete medical evaluation by
a paediatrician is recommended to assess diet, exercise, and family history. Biochemical and genetic disorders related to obesity such as
Prader-Willi Syndrome will be tested before being ruled out as a cause of obesity.
Child obesity research has shown that the most effective treatment is to establish a healthy eating plan for the whole family, and
to get the whole family involved in physical activity. In severe obesity cases medication or surgery may be recommended for childhood
obesity.