6-17-08

Childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing concern and it can bring on other serious health issues.  The best treatment for obesity is diet and exercise.

Currently about 16 percent of children in the U.S. are obese.  Children are considered to be obese if they are in the top five percent as measured by body mass index or BMI.  BMI is determined by a formula that measures weight in relation to height.  Children who are obese are more likely to develop other health conditions says Dr. Tracy Milbrandt, assistant professor of pediatrics at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  She explains some of the problems usually seen only in adults.

SOUND BITE: “. . . we’re unfortunately seeing a great number of children who are overweight developing these medical conditions during childhood.  And there is a significant increase in type 2 diabetes which is an historically adult illness that we are seeing in overweight children.  Hypertension is becoming much more of a problem and much more of a problem in children.”

Dr. Milbrandt says the best treatment for overweight children is diet and exercise.  She recommends healthy eating and correct portion sizes.  She also advises that children increase their amount of physical activity.

SOUND BITE: “The majority of your calories should come from fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, lean meat like chicken and fish, and lean red meat, whole grains, as opposed to lots of processed foods.  So we certainly limit the highly processed foods.  Limit the junk foods to have those as treats one or two times a week.  And certainly we encourage no soda, no sugary beverages and limiting juice to no more than four ounces a day.”

Dr. Milbrandt recommends that children spend no more than two hours of screen time per day, which includes watching TV and sitting at a computer or video games, and be engage in 30 to 40 minutes of physical exercise.  If children are overweight they should see their pediatrician or family physician for an evaluation and possible treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.