Many of us in Anguilla are aware that many of our children are overweight or obese. We cannot continue to ignore this issue and pretend that it would not have negative effects for individuals, and the entire island, in the near future. The incidence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other complications of obesity, will continue to increase if we do not develop new strategies in dealing with childhood obesity.
What is childhood obesity?
Although the definition of obesity and overweight has changed over time, it can be defined as an excess of body fat (BF). There is no consensus on a cut-off point for excess fatness or overweight or obesity in children and adolescents.
Causes of childhood obesity
The mechanism of obesity development is not fully understood, and it is believed to be a disorder with multiple causes. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment, play pivotal roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. In general, overweight and obesity are assumed to be the results of an increase in caloric and fat intake. On the other hand, there is supporting evidence that excessive sugar intake by soft drink, increased portion size, and steady decline in physical activity, have been playing major roles in the rising rates of obesity all around the world.
There is increasing evidence indicating that an individual’s genetic background is important in determining obesity risk. However, genetic susceptibility often needs to be coupled with contributing environmental and behavioral factors in order to affect weight.
Dietary factors have been studied extensively for their possible contributions to the rising rates of obesity. The dietary factors that have been examined include fast food consumption, sugary beverages, snack foods, and portion sizes.
Foods served at fast food restaurants tend to contain a high number of calories with low nutritional values.
Sugary drinks are another factor that has been examined as a potential contributing factor to obesity. Sugary drinks are often thought of as being limited to sodas, but juice and other sweetened beverages fall into this category. Many studies have examined the link between sugary drink consumption and weight, and it has been continually found to be a contributing factor to being overweight. Sugary drinks are less filling than food and can be consumed quicker, which results in a higher caloric intake.
Another factor that has been studied as a possible contributing factor of childhood obesity is the consumption of snack foods. Snack foods include foods such as chips, baked goods and candy.
Portion sizes have increased drastically in the past decade. Consuming large portions, in addition to frequent snacking on highly caloric foods, contributes to an excessive caloric intake.
We here in Anguilla have a high carb, high fat and high protein base of regular eating that is causing a greater negative epidemic in this country than we could imagine. We experience this every Sunday. For some, it is almost every day. Understanding what is on your plate can have a greater affect (positive or negative) towards your long-term health than you think.
Activity level
One of the factors that is most significantly linked to obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. According to one study, each additional hour of television per day increased the prevalence of obesity by 2%. Television viewing among young children and adolescents has increased dramatically in recent years. The increased amount of time spent in sedentary behaviours has decreased the amount of time spent in physical activity.
Environmental factors
While extensive television viewing and the use of other electronic media have contributed to the sedentary lifestyles, other environmental factors have reduced the opportunities for physical activity. Opportunities to be physically active, and safe environments to be active in, have decreased in the recent years. The majority of children in the past walked or rode their bike to school. I seldom see children walking to school in The Valley area.
Socio-cultural factors
Socio-cultural factors have also been found to influence the development of obesity. Our society tends to use food as a reward, as a means to control others, and as part of socializing. I am often amazed over the amount of sugary foods. These uses of food can encourage the development of unhealthy relationships with food, thereby increasing the risk of developing obesity.
Family factors
Family factors have also been associated with the increase in cases of obesity. The types of food available in the house, and the food preferences of family members, can influence the foods that children eat.
What are some consequences of childhood obesity?
Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have a significant impact on both physical and psychological health. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood – and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.
Childhood obesity can profoundly affect children’s physical health, social, and emotional well-being, and self-esteem. It is also associated with poor academic performance and a lower quality of life experienced by the child.
Medical consequences
Childhood obesity has been linked to numerous medical conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease), cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, cholelithiasis (gallstones), glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, skin conditions, menstrual abnormalities, impaired balance, and orthopedic problems. Until recently, many of the above health conditions had only been found in adults – now they are extremely prevalent in obese children. Although most of the physical health conditions associated with childhood obesity can disappear if weight is brought under control, some children continue to be overweight and obese in adulthood. In the worst cases, some of these health conditions can even result in death.
Socio-emotional consequences
In addition to being implicated in numerous medical concerns, childhood obesity affects children’s and adolescent’s social and emotional health. Overweight and obese children are often teased and/or bullied for their weight. They also face numerous other hardships including negative stereotypes, discrimination, and social marginalization. Obese children are often excluded from activities, particularly competitive activities that require physical activity. It is often difficult for overweight children to participate in physical activities as they tend to be slower than their peers and contend with shortness of breath. These negative social problems contribute to low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and a negative body image in children – and can also affect academic performance. All of the above-mentioned negative effects of overweight and obesity can be devastating to children and adolescents.
Academic consequences
Childhood obesity has also been found to negatively affect school performance. A research study concluded that overweight and obese children were four times more likely to report having problems at school than their normal weight peers. They are also more likely to miss school more frequently, especially those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma which can also affect academic performance.
What can we do?
The growing issue of childhood obesity can be slowed, if society focuses on the causes. There are many components that play into childhood obesity – some being more crucial than others.
We are doing ourselves an utter disservice by not educating ourselves and our young ones about proper nutrition and exercise.
It simply starts with conversation. If we can start discussing it, then we can begin educating ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of health and wellness in our country.
Personally, I believe food and health nutrition should be a pre-requisite course in every school in Anguilla. If our young ones are taught about nutrition at an early age, the likelihood of us having an obese culture should decline.
Let us take a look first at ourselves and start the process. Have the health discussions with your loved ones and your doctors. We here in Anguilla love to talk. Just how we love to talk, let us do something about this obesity epidemic.
Now is not the time to chastise your neighbours for their lack of knowledge. It is time to uplift one another with positive dialogue about the seriousness of long- term health effects of our country. We must do something about our stagnant lifestyles. We seldom take our children to the beach to swim. Many of us are reluctant to encourage our children in various sports. We have to encourage our children to ride their bicycles more. All these activities would increase their physical activity and help in improved health.
Conclusion
Childhood obesity is a public health problem in many countries including Anguilla. The exact cause of this epidemic is not fully known, but we must continue our efforts to deal with childhood obesity if we are going to avoid the serious consequences that will occur if the incidence of this disorder continues to climb. Preventative measures are crucial in dealing with the public health issue. Let us all join hands in this matter. All of us can play a part.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
