Obesity can be a problem as early as kindergarten for some
children. Children who suffer from obesity will most
likely endure a lifelong struggle with physical and
emotional consequences.
Physical effects of obesity in children include difficulty
keeping up with physical activities, problems sleeping, and
trouble with breathing. Not only are obese children more
often affected by asthma, they also have problems with
sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is being recognized with more
frequency as the incidence of pediatric obesity rises.
Clinically significant effects on learning and memory
function have been documented in children with obstructive
sleep apnea as a consequence of obesity. (Must, Aviva,
Ph.D., ET AL, 2003 "Effects of Obesity on Morbidity in
Children and Adolescents" Nutrition in Clinical Care, p. 8).
Childhood obesity clearly impacts the health of the growing
child. Furthermore, it is considered an important disease
because of its link to long-term health problems including
type II diabetes, hypertension, some forms of cancer, lack
of energy and asthma. The incidence of type II diabetes
in children is expected to grow in parallel with the rise
in obesity. Onset diabetes in childhood is a predictor of
early onset of diabetes complications including
cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and amputations
(Must, p. 131). Approximately 60% of overweight five to
ten year old children experience at least one associated
biochemical or clinical cardiovascular risk factor, such as
hyperlipidemia, elevated blood pressure, or increased
insulin levels, and 25% have two or more (Koplan, JP, Deitz
WH., "Calorie Imbalance and Public Health Policy" The
Journal of the American Medical Association, 1999. p 1579).
Children from lower income families are at a greater
disadvantage because the majority of this population
resides in neighborhoods with intimidating playgrounds.
Concerned with street safety, children are often kept
inside by parents and they tend to spend more time in front
of the television or playing video games.
Playgrounds in lower income neighborhoods tend to be
filthy, with broken bottles, trash and graffiti covering
the park. Although the playground has basketball courts,
swings and jungle gyms, they are generally not child
friendly. The parks are usually populated with young
adults hanging out, intimidating the younger children.
This is not a safe environment for children to play in and
not one in which children could safely play unsupervised.
Schools are contributing to childhood obesity by failing to
make physical education an important part of the
curriculum. Children don't get enough exercise at school.
Time allotted for gym is inadequate and infrequent.
Teachers can try to compensate by providing their classes
with additional outside play time. The physical education
program is extremely vital and deserving of more attention.
Implementation of after school programs that emphasize
physical activities such as kickball and basketball should
be a priority. There is a need for an after school
athletic program at the elementary level to augment the
physical education program and provide a safe, healthy
environment for lower income children as well. This would
be a benefit for children as well as parents, and an
important factor in reducing obesity in children.
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Gurion Blattman is a lifelong athlete and fitness expert
with over 20 years experience in the health and fitness
industry. A graduate of Northeastern University, he is a
Certified Professional Trainer by the National Academy of
Sports Medicine and is based in Darien, Connecticut. For
more information or for a complimentary consultation
contact info@gurionblattman.com.
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