Childhood Obesity: Childhood Obesity Mary E. LaBella Maternal and Child Health Social Work Leadership Team November 5, 2004


Purpose of the Presentation: Purpose of the Presentation In order to be leaders in the fight against childhood obesity WE MUST BE WELL INFORMED.


Goals and Objectives: Goals and Objectives Goal Each recipient will be well-informed on the topic of childhood obesity Objective Each recipient will be able to define childhood obesity and discuss its multi-faceted nature


What is Obesity?: What is Obesity? The presence of a body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex according to national growth charts. The most common nutritional disorder among our nation’s youth.


Contributing Factors of Childhood Obesity: Contributing Factors of Childhood Obesity Medical Behavioral Reduced energy expenditure Societal pressure Nutritional transition


Physical Consequences: Physical Consequences Cardiovascular Respiratory Endocrine Metabolic Orthopedic


Long-term Consequences: Long-term Consequences Adult obesity Cardiovascular disease Breast cancer Colon caner Type 2 Diabetes Financial ramifications


Psychological Factors : Psychological Factors Lowered self-esteem Increased depression ratings Social outcasts


Psychosocial Aspects: Psychosocial Aspects Fewer years of education Lower family income Higher poverty rates Lower marriage rates


Diagnostic Methods: Diagnostic Methods Research - underwater weighing, multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging Clinical - weight for height, body mass index (BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)), waist circumference, and skinfold thickness


Epidemiology: Epidemiology


Epidemiology: Epidemiology


Epidemiology: Epidemiology


Prevention: Prevention Risk factors to be addressed: high birth weight maternal smoking in first trimester early introduction to solid foods overweight parents Black, Caribbean, or Pakistani ethnic group


Prevention: Prevention Risk factors to be addressed: socio-economic deprivation andgt; 11 hours/week TV/video low participation in school sports few interests involving active play andgt; 2 hours per day traveling by car few siblings


Treatment: Treatment A combination of simple dieting and exercise is not the 'magic bullet.' Interventions should focus on acceptance of realistic body weight and the incorporation of healthy eating and physical activity.


Treatment – Family Involvement: Treatment – Family Involvement The home, with parental and family involvement, appears to be the most influential treatment setting. Combination of behavioral, social learning, and family system approach. 'Parenthood Presence'


Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects: Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects White children are at a reduced risk for obesity than their African American and Hispanic counterparts. Research shows that environmental factors that promote increased energy intake and decreased energy output are increasing and have a significant effect on children from various ethnic backgrounds.


Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects: Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects SES is inversely associated with childhood obesity among whites, yet higher SES does not seem to protect African American and Hispanic children.


Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects: Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects African American and Hispanic youth tend to have lower levels of physical activity and dietary patterns that contribute to higher BMIs compared to white children.


Organizational and Community Factors: Organizational and Community Factors Fast-paced Career-oriented Limited access to treatment


Ethical Issues: Ethical Issues Self-determination Autonomy Service Dignity and worth of the person


Social Work Interventions: Social Work Interventions Macro level health education lobby local units of government organize family events


Social Work Interventions: Social Work Interventions Micro level prenatal counseling family education counseling planning


In Conclusion….: In Conclusion…. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic that disproportionately affects minorities. Childhood obesity is not just an individual disease with individual consequences, but a public health issue with many causes and effects.


In Conclusion….: In Conclusion…. Due to its multi-faceted nature, childhood obesity needs to be addressed ACROSS ALL HELPING PROFESSIONS in an INTERDISCIPLINARY MANNER In order to combat childhood obesity we must involve FAMILIES, not just the obese child


Any Questions?: Any Questions?