Another Epidemic: Pediatric Obesity – McLeod Health

3 APRIL 2023

By Lisa Woodberry, NP, McLeod Pediatric Endocrinology

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has tripled since the 1970s. In Americas health rankings for obesity by state, South Carolina ranked 36th with 36.1% of the adult population in 2021, according to the United Health Foundation.

The American Medical Association declared obesity a disease in 2012. Before that declaration, obesity was not a covered complaint when seeking medical help.

Pediatric Obesity in the modern sense refers to children who are both overweight and obese, as identified by their Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a childs weight by their height. Overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a BMI Percentile Calculator for Children and Teens at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/bmi/calculator.html.

Medical Complications

Children who are obese often suffer from depression and bullying. In addition, it can cause endocrine, cardiovascular, orthopedic, renal, pulmonary, neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and psychosocial problems in children. It can also increase the risk of developing a hernia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stress incontinence, and gynecological malignancy.

Additionally, obese children will likely become obese adults. If a preschooler is obese, they have a 33% chance that they will be obese as an adult. A school ager has a 50% risk, and an adolescent has an 80-90% risk. Adult obesity is associated with numerous health problems including Type II diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, cancer, joint disease, gallbladder disease, and pulmonary disease.

Causes

There are many causes of pediatric obesity, including a strong family history of obesity. In addition, we know that weight is gained by an energy imbalance when calorie intake is increased and physical activity is decreased. In todays culture, junk food is both easily accessible and heavily promoted by celebrities with sponsorships. Families are on-the-go and often find it easier to get a meal at a fast food drive-through. The lure of electronic devices, television, and video games can outweigh the old-fashioned ways we used to play outside.

Prevention

Prevention is the key, and prevention actually begins prenatally. Gestational diabetes and maternal smoking can predispose children to become obese. After that, we need to be aware of our childrens Body Mass Index (BMI) and raise concerns if it begins to rapidly increase. If your family has a history of obesity, your child also has a greater risk of becoming obese: 30% chance if one parent, 90% chance if both parents are obese.

Nutritional guidance is also important and needs to be a family effort. Encourage children to drink water and limit sweet beverages. Fruits and vegetables are filling and lower-calorie alternatives. Sticking to structured mealtimes and eating as a family also help children stay on track.

Engage children in active play and physical activity instead of more sedentary activities like watching television or playing on the computer or video games.

Parents need to be positive role models. Eating healthy needs to be a family priority, not just something the children stick to. Limit both eating out and eating in front of the television.

Managing Pediatric Obesity

Treatment can start with a physical exam by the childs physician and setting obtainable goals. Education is necessary to achieve those goals, and counseling may help as well. Your child may also be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for specialized care tailored to your childs goals and needs.

Know your childs health risks and stay proactive in keeping them healthy.

Commonly Treated Conditions by Pediatric Endocrinologists

Pediatric Endocrinologists also treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, pre-diabetes (insulin resistance), hypoglycemia, growth problems (such as short stature), early or delayed puberty, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), underactive or overactive thyroid gland, pituitary gland hypo/hyper function, adrenal gland hypo/hyper function, Ambiguous genitals/intersex, ovarian and testicular dysfunction and obesity.

Lisa Woodberry is a Nurse Practitioner with McLeod Pediatric Endocrinology, located in McLeod Medical Park East at 101 William H. Johnson Street, Suite 300. They can be reached by calling (843) 777-5701.