Don P. Wilson, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist and chair of Pediatrics, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, shares the following information about the dangers of childhood obesity.
Just a couple of decades ago, just four percent of all children in the United States were obese. Now, 16 percent of our children are obese and 25 percent are overweight.
Measuring obesity in children is different than in adults. Adult obesity is determined using body mass index (BMI). An adult who has a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. Childhood obesity also uses BMI, but requires a chart that compares the growth of children of the same gender and age. A child whose BMI puts him or her in the 95th percentile is considered obese. Being in the 95th percentile means that the child is heavier than 95 percent of children the same gender and age. A child who is between the 85th percentile and the 95th percentile is considered overweight.
While genetic makeup hasn’t changed, the environment certainly has. In the past, families were more apt to raise crops and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Now, high-calorie, high-fat fast food is readily available, relatively inexpensive and tasty. In our fast-paced society, it’s easier for many families to go to the drive-through or order a pizza rather than prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal that includes fruits, vegetables and lean meats.
A high-fat diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle can take a dramatic toll on a child’s health. Overweight and obese children are more at risk of developing serious health diseases such as diabetes and hypertension than children who maintain healthy weights. Parents don’t recognize their children’s health risks or their own. Over the next couple of generations, parents may outlive their kids. Today, very young overweight and obese children are being diagnosed with heart disease that historically would have been seen only in older adults. Many overweight and obese teenagers are on medication for high blood pressure, blood sugar and/or blood fats. The problem is real, but parents can help.
First, parents need to be role good models. It’s not enough to tell your children to make healthy choices while you eat fast food and limit exercise to operating the remote control. You must be willing to practice what you preach, not only for your own health, but for your children’s. That means cooking well-balanced meals at home and incorporating exercise into your daily routine. There are many fun ways to encourage your children to exercise, which can involve the entire family, such as walking, bike riding, skating and flying kites.
But what happens when your children are not at home? Encourage your children to become involved in activities in the community, church and at school. If programs are not already established, talk to your community leaders, churches and schools about providing more exercise opportunities and healthy snacks and meals. Communities can add sidewalks, bike trails and parks in neighborhoods. Churches can establish sports teams and serve fresh fruit or other healthy foods instead of donuts at church functions. Schools can reduce the high-fat, high-calorie foods they offer and add more healthy foods. If the school cafeteria doesn’t offer enough healthy choices, pack nutritious lunches for your children to eat at school.
You can’t be with your children at all times, but you can educate them about making healthy choices no matter where they are.
This article is provided as a courtesy by the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. For questions about weight issues, contact your health care provider. 
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.