Childhood Obesity? Or How Overfat am I?

Being overweight at any age is a major health concern both for the individual consumer and for health care professionals.  According to recent data, the numbers of overweight Americans has significantly increased affecting 1 in 5 children and 5 out of 10 adults.  As a country, about 100 million Americans are overweight and it affects every segment of society.  Being overweight presents increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep problems, diabetes and some cancers. Children who are overweight are also at increased risk of becoming overweight adults.

 It is not always easy to determine if you are significantly overweight.  Currently, health   providers use a measure called body mass index (BMI) that calculates your body weight and height proportion.  BMI correlates with measures of body fatness in children, adolescents, and adults. A BMI over 25 is considered overweight in adults, but the overweight BMI varies in children according to age.

Why are so many Americans overweight?  There have been many changes in our society that increases the risk of becoming overweight – they include increased  television or computer screen time, less physical activity, increased food portion sizes, and increased eating in fast food restaurants.  RARELY is a medical issue the cause of obesity.

Is there a magic pill or special diet that I can take to lose weight quickly?  A significant amount of research is being done to find a solution.  Currently, there is no medication, or special fad diet that results in long term success.  In fact many of the `quick weight loss ‘ solutions are unsafe and can result in serious medical problems. Small gradual changes, portion control, a balanced diet, and increased activity form the basis of any successful weight loss program.

So what do I need to do first?  Consult with your health care provider or a member of the school health team.  Your school health team consists of the school nurse,  Mary Lou Pulcino PNP and Larry Denk, M.D. (the school Nurse Practitioner and Physician).  They will help you determine if you are at a heart healthy weight and offer suggestions to improve your body mass index.  Schedule an appointment with them today!