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Childhood Obesity – A Call to Action

Childhood obesity has become one of the biggest health problems in the United States. This, in turn, has led to increases in obesity-related complications. As a result, it is so important to recognize childhood obesity early and treat it before these complications arise.

Is Your Child Obese?

How do we determine whether a child is obese? The body mass index (BMI) compares a person’s weight in relation to their height and can be used for children ages 2 and older. A child with a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile for his/her age is considered to be overweight and those with a BMI ≥95th percentile are considered to be obese.

Almost one third of children and adolescents in the United States are either overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents tripled from the 1970s to 2000. Childhood obesity is more prevalent in American Indian, non-Hispanic black and Mexican American populations. Having an obese parent also increases the risk of obesity in a child by two to three times. Unfortunately, many obese children eventually become obese adults, but with proper education and changes in lifestyle, this can be prevented.

Why?

Obesity in children can be caused by a variety of environmental as well as genetic factors. Increased availability of unhealthy food choices to children such as sugar- sweetened beverages, unhealthy snacks and increased portion sizes can lead to excessive caloric intake above a child’s needs. A more sedentary lifestyle with decreased physical activity and increased screen time is also a factor. Decreased amount of sleep and even the presence of a TV in a child’s bedroom have been associated with higher rates of obesity. Interestingly, less than 1 percent of childhood obesity is caused by an endocrine disorder such as hypothyroidism, cortisol excess, or growth hormone deficiency.

Treatment

Treatment of obesity in children is challenging. Aggressive diet and exercise have always been the mainstay of therapy. Education about healthier choices, with complex carbohydrates instead of simple sugars, lean protein, increase in fruits and vegetables, as well as portion control, is the first step. Vigorous exercise of 45 minutes a day is essential. If diet and exercise alone are not successful, medications can be considered. Metformin is the only medication approved for children older than 12 with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Metformin works by preventing the liver from making extra glucose (sugar). Medications such as Orlistat and Alli block fat absorption, but side effects are significant and include greasy stools, flatulence and malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Locarserin is an appetite suppressant that also has concerning side effects of heart valve problems. These medications are not approved in children. Finally, bariatric surgery is now being offered to adolescents with severe obesity who have a BMI of 40 or greater, or those with BMI over 37 with comorbidities such as pre-diabetes, diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Specialized centers involve the family along with a team of pediatric endocrinologists, surgeons, psychologists and dieticians to treat adolescents at highest risk. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) had been the procedure of choice, and in experienced centers has been successful. More recently, the vertical sleeve gastrectomy has been effective in adolescents, while maintaining proper nutrient absorption.

Importance

One of the main reasons we try to aggressively prevent and treat obesity is that it carries so many complications with it, along with well- known risks such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), an orthopedic emergency when the head of the femur bone slips off its shaft, is quite common in obese adolescents during their growth spurt, and requires surgical pinning.

Finally, the psychologic ramifications of obesity cannot be overemphasized. Bullying and depression can arise because of one’s weight, can lower a child’s self-esteem and start a vicious cycle of poor eating choices, less exercise and worsening obesity. It is very important to look for and recognize these psychological concerns, and seek counseling promptly if it’s needed. A team approach of physicians, family members and school personnel can lead to success in combating obesity by encouraging healthier choices and a less sedentary, more active lifestyle.

Sofia Shapiro, M.D, FAAP and Jaime Tsay, M.D. specialize in Pediatric Endocrinology at CareMount Medical, formerly known as Mount Kisco Medical Group.

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