How to Address, Prevent Childhood Obesity in the US

Childhood obesity is on the rise in the US, with the CDC estimating approximately 1 in 5 children are living with obesity.¹ It is imperative for parents, guardians, and families to recognize ways to both prevent and address childhood obesity in the US to prevent the incidence from rising.

“Childhood obesity is influenced by a multifactorial set of factors, including diet, physical activity, genetics, and environmental influences,” Sonia Sethi, MD, FAAP, DABOM, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider and director, Pediatric Weight Management Program at the Anne Vogel Family Care & Wellness Center, said in an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases points to regularly taking in more calories than the body needs, not getting enough physical activity, and not getting enough sleep as other factors that can contribute to obesity in children.¹ Also, according to the CDC,² children living with obesity have a higher risk of sleep apnea, asthma, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes, among other health conditions.

The adverse effects and health care expenditures associated with childhood obesity can be avoided using preventive methods | Image credit: Protsenko Dmitriy - stock.adobe.com

Psychological effects of childhood obesity are also prevalent, said Sethi, and can include increased stress, depressive symptoms, and low self-esteem. All of these factors can persist through adulthood and affect overall health for years to come, which can be costly for both the individual and the health care system.

“The economic burden of childhood obesity is substantial. Increased health care utilization and costs are notable, with higher expenditures for outpatient visits, prescription drugs, and hospitalizations,” said Sethi. A study published in 2014 found that the estimated incremental lifetime medical cost of a child with obesity was $19,000 relative to a child who maintains normal weight throughout adulthood.³

With premature mortality another possibility due to childhood obesity, prevention initiatives should be applied as early as possible, and there are many ways to acccomplish this. According to the New York State Department of Health, promoting a healthy lifestyle is a top option in preventing childhood obesity.⁴ This can include providing healthy meals and snacks, educating children about nutrition, and promoting daily physical activity. Sethi also recommens “promoting a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables (including canned veggies), encouraging regular physical activity, limiting screen time, and avoiding the use of food as a reward.”

Both government and schools can also promote methods of healthy living among children. Avoiding the purchase of unhealthy snacks within schools and offering healthy food alternatives for lunch could help to alleviate the temptation for children to eat less healthy foods. In terms of governmental support, finding ways to decrease the cost of healthier foods and encourage the usage of local parks can help to address childhood obesity, Sethi noted.

Overall, preventing childhood obesity necessitates a multipronged approach to eliminate unhealthy habits and promote healthy food consumption and outside activity. These habits can help to avoid potential adverse events that can be brought on by persistent obesity, from childhood through to adulthood. Focusing efforts on giving children healthy food, avoiding screen time in favor of exercising, and encouraging proper sleep can help to prevent and address childhood obesity in the US.

“Early intervention and consistent efforts to promote healthy behaviors are crucial to prevent the long-term consequences of obesity,” Sethi said. “Widespread dissemination of educational materials such as reading food labels, use of certain gyms for free during summers, [and] available public programs in the area can help in adapting a healthy lifestyle and improve overall health.”

References

1. Helping your child who is overweight. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated March 2023. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/helping-your-child-who-is-overweight

2. Preventing childhood obesity: 6 things families can do. CDC. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/family-action/index.html

3. Finkelstein EA, Graham WCK, Malhotra R. Lifetime direct medical costs of childhood obesity. Pediatrics. 2014;133(5):854-862. doi:10.1542/peds.2014-0063

4. Preventing childhood obesity: tips for parents. New York State Department of Health. Updated June 2012. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/resources/obparnts.htm