Eating habits of obese children
Childhood Obesity: Causes, Risks, and Outlook
Childhood Obesity: Causes, Risks, and Outlook- Health Conditions
- Featured
- Breast Cancer
- IBD
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
- Acid Reflux
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn's Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cold & Flu
- COPD
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- HIV
- Hypertension
- IPF
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Skin Disorders and Care
- STDs
- Featured
- Discover
-
Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women's Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
-
Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. D. — By Erica Roth — Updated on Jan 18, 2022
What Is Childhood Obesity?
Children who have a body mass index (BMI) at the same level or higher than 95 percent of their peers are considered to have obesity. BMI is a tool used to determine your “weight status.” BMI is calculated using your height and weight. Your BMI percentile (where your BMI value falls in relation to other people) is then determined using your gender and age.
Childhood obesity is a serious health threat to children. Kids with obesity have surpassed simply being overweight and are at risk for a number of chronic health conditions. Poor health stemming from childhood obesity can continue into adulthood.
Childhood obesity doesn’t just affect physical health. Children and teens who are overweight or have obesity can become depressed and have poor self-image and self-esteem.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Family history, psychological factors, and lifestyle all play a role in childhood obesity.
Children whose parents or other family members are overweight or have obesity are more likely to follow suit. But the main cause of childhood obesity is a combination of eating too much and exercising too little.
A poor diet containing high levels of fat or sugar and few nutrients can cause kids to gain weight quickly. Fast food, candy, and soft drinks are common culprits. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reports that 32 percent of adolescent girls and 52 percent of adolescent boys in the United States drink 24 ounces of soda — or more — per day.
Convenience foods, such as frozen dinners, salty snacks, and canned pastas, can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Some children develop obesity because their parents don’t know how to choose or prepare healthy foods. Other families may not be able to easily afford fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Not enough physical activity can be another cause of childhood obesity. People of all ages tend to gain weight when they’re less active.
Exercise burns calories and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Children who aren’t encouraged to be active may be less likely to burn extra calories through sports, time on the playground, or other forms of physical activity.
Psychological issues may also lead to obesity in some children. Kids and teens who are bored, stressed, or depressed may eat more to cope with negative emotions.
Health Risks Associated with Childhood Obesity
Children who have obesity have a higher risk of developing health problems than their peers who maintain a healthy weight. Diabetes, heart disease, and asthma are among the most serious risks.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t metabolize glucose properly. Diabetes can lead to eye disease, nerve damage, and kidney dysfunction. Children and adults who are overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, the condition may be reversible through diet and lifestyle changes.
Heart Disease
High cholesterol and high blood pressure raise the risk of future heart disease in children with obesity.
Foods that are high in fat and salt may cause cholesterol and blood pressure levels to rise. Heart attack and stroke are two potential complications of heart disease.
Asthma
Asthma is chronic inflammation of the lung’s airways. Obesity is the most common comorbidity (when two diseases occur in the same person at the same time) with asthma, but researchers aren’t sure exactly how the two conditions are linked. According to a recent study published in the journal Asthma Research and Practice, about 38% of adults with asthma in the United States also have obesity. That same study found that obesity may be a risk factor for more severe asthma in some, but not all, people with obesity.
Sleep Disorders
Kids and teens who have obesity may also suffer from sleep disorders, such as excessive snoring and sleep apnea. Extra weight in the neck area can block their airways.
Joint Pain
Your child may also experience joint stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion from carrying excess weight.
In many cases, losing weight can eliminate joint problems.
Healthy Eating and Nutrition for Children with Obesity
Changing the eating habits of children with obesity is absolutely essential. Parental influence shapes your child’s eating patterns. Most kids eat what their parents buy, so healthy eating needs to start with you.
Start your nutrition overhaul by limiting sweets and soft drinks in your home. Even drinks made from 100-percent juice can be high in calories. Instead, serve water and lower-fat or nonfat milk with meals. Cut back your fast food consumption and make a conscious effort to cook more. Preparing a meal and eating together is not only healthy in a nutritional sense, but it’s also an excellent way to sneak in some family time.
Center your meals and snacks around fresh foods instead of processed items, baked goods, or salty snacks. Try:
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- lean proteins, such as chicken and fish
- whole grains, such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and whole-grain breads
- low-fat dairy products, including skim milk, low-fat plain yogurt, and low-fat cheese
Chances are good that your overweight child or child with obesity will drop some weight as they transition to a healthier way of eating.
Consult your pediatrician if weight loss doesn’t occur. You may need additional help from a nutritionist or dietician.
Lifestyle Changes to Fight Childhood Obesity
There are several different strategies that can help prevent childhood obesity.
Increase Physical Activity
Increase your child’s level of physical activity to help them shed weight safely. Use the word “activity” instead of “exercise” or “workout” to keep them interested. Playing hopscotch outside, for example, may be more appealing to a 7-year-old than jogging around the block. Consider encouraging your child to try a sport for which they’ve expressed an interest.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get at least one hour’s worth of exercise daily to remain healthy.
More Family Activities
Find activities the entire family can enjoy together. This is not only a great way to bond, but it also helps your child learn by example. Hiking, swimming, or even playing tag can help your child get active and start on the path to a healthier weight.
Be sure to vary activities to prevent boredom.
Cut Down on Screen Time
Limit screen time, too. Kids who spend several hours a day watching television, playing computer games, or using their smartphones or other devices are more likely to be overweight. According to studies reported by the Harvard School of Public Health, the reason for this may be twofold. First, screen time eats into time that could be spent doing physical activities instead. And second, more time in front of the TV means more time for snacking, and more exposure to ads for the high-sugar, high-fat foods that make up most food marketing.
Outlook for Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious issue in the United States. However, with proper education and support, children can learn healthier ways to cope with their problems, prepare meals, and stay active. This support must come from the adults in their lives: parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Help your children stay healthier for longer by preparing nutritious foods for them and encouraging them to get plenty of exercise.
Last medically reviewed on January 27, 2016
- Parenthood
- Life
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Baffi, C. W., Winnica, D. E., & Holguin, F. (2015, June 4). Asthma and obesity: mechanisms and clinical implications. Asthma Research and Practice, 1(1)
asthmarp.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40733-015-0001-7 - Childhood obesity facts. (2015, August 27)
cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm - Defining childhood obesity. (2015, June 19)
cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/defining.html - How much physical activity do children need? (2015, June 4)
cdc.
gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/index.htm - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, November 3). Childhood obesity
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/definition/con-20027428 - Television watching and “sit time.” (n.d.)
hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/television-and-sedentary-behavior-and-obesity/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jan 18, 2022
Written By
Erica Roth
Edited By
Amanda Conover
Copy Edited By
Copy Editors
Jan 27, 2016
Written By
Erica Roth
Edited By
Nizam Khan (TechSpace)
Medically Reviewed By
Karen Richardson Gill, MD
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — By Erica Roth — Updated on Jan 18, 2022
Read this next
Childhood Obesity: How We Are – and Aren’t – Making Progress
New research shows changes to nutrition programs may help reverse the rising rate of childhood obesity, but experts say the most effective changes are…
READ MORE
Overcoming Childhood Obesity: How Parents Can Help… or Hurt
Childhood obesity rates continue to rise in the United States, but this doctor claims parents can help turn that around.
READ MORE
Teens with Obesity May Have Brain Damage That Produces Poor Eating Habits
Experts say it's important to treat obesity in teenage years before the health issues become worse in adulthood.
READ MORE
Children Who Are Teased About Their Weight Are Likely to Gain More
Researchers say the more a child is teased, the more weight they are likely to gain in subsequent years.
READ MORE
Why Childhood Obesity Rates Are Rising and What We Can Do
Experts say parents, educators, and health professionals can all play a role in helping children eat healthier and get more exercise
READ MORE
Postgame Snacks Can Have More Calories Than Kids Burn Playing Sports
Snacks that are being offered to kids after sports activities are often higher in calories and sugar than what they burn during the game.
READ MORE
Why Pediatricians Are Being Urged to Write ‘Physical Activity Prescriptions’ for Children
Doctors report that only 1 in 4 children are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
READ MORE
Late Bedtime Linked to Obesity in Children. Here's What Parents Can Do
Experts say turning off electronic equipment at bedtime is one of ways parents can set up a 30-minute bedtime routine for children.
READ MORE
Study Finds Overeating Not Inactivity May Help Explain Child Obesity Rates
Researchers studied children in the U.S. and U.K., and compared them with the children of a hunter-gatherer tribe in the Amazon to discover…
READ MORE
Childhood obesity: food, nutrient, and eating-habit trends and influences
Review
.
2007 Aug;32(4):635-45.
doi: 10.1139/H07-046.
Lynn Roblin 1
Affiliations
Affiliation
- 1 Eatwrite Communications, 410 Brook Place, Oakville, ON. [email protected]
- PMID: 17622277
- DOI: 10.1139/H07-046
Review
Lynn Roblin. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2007 Aug.
. 2007 Aug;32(4):635-45.
doi: 10.1139/H07-046.
Author
Lynn Roblin 1
Affiliation
- 1 Eatwrite Communications, 410 Brook Place, Oakville, ON. [email protected]
- PMID: 17622277
- DOI: 10.1139/H07-046
Abstract
The need has never been greater to support healthy eating and physical activity in children and youth; the numbers of overweight and obese children have doubled and tripled, respectively, over the past 3 decades. Poor eating habits, including inadequate intake of vegetables, fruit, and milk, and eating too many high-calorie snacks, play a role in childhood obesity.
Grain products provide the highest percentage (31%) of daily calories, followed by "other foods," which have limited nutritional value (22% of daily calories). Snacks account for 27% of total daily calories, which is more than the calories consumed at breakfast (18%) and lunch (24%), but not dinner (31%). For Canadians older than 4 years of age, more than 41% of daily snack calories come from other foods, such as chips, chocolate bars, soft drinks, fruit drinks, sugars, syrup, preserves, fats, and oils. Habits that protect against childhood obesity include eating more vegetables and fruit, eating meals with family, and being physically active. Children's food habits and choices are influenced by family, caregivers, friends, schools, marketing, and the media. Successful interventions for preventing childhood obesity combine family- and school-based programs, nutrition education, dietary change, physical activity, family participation, and counseling.
Similar articles
-
[Simple obesity in children.
A study on the role of nutritional factors]. Weker H. Weker H. Med Wieku Rozwoj. 2006 Jan-Mar;10(1):3-191. Med Wieku Rozwoj. 2006. PMID: 16733288 Review. Polish.
-
Beverage intake among preschool children and its effect on weight status.
O'Connor TM, Yang SJ, Nicklas TA. O'Connor TM, et al. Pediatrics. 2006 Oct;118(4):e1010-8. doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-2348. Pediatrics. 2006. PMID: 17015497
-
Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study: meal and snack intakes of Hispanic and non-Hispanic infants and toddlers.
Ziegler P, Hanson C, Ponza M, Novak T, Hendricks K. Ziegler P, et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1 Suppl 1):S107-23.
doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2005.09.037. J Am Diet Assoc. 2006. PMID: 16376635 -
Consumption of low-nutrient, energy-dense foods and beverages at school, home, and other locations among school lunch participants and nonparticipants.
Briefel RR, Wilson A, Gleason PM. Briefel RR, et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Feb;109(2 Suppl):S79-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2008.10.064. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009. PMID: 19166676
-
Nutritional surveillance in Tuscany: eating habits at breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon snacks among 8-9 y-old children.
Lazzeri G, Giallombardo D, Guidoni C, Zani A, Casorelli A, Grasso A, Pozzi T, Rossi S, Giacchi M. Lazzeri G, et al. J Prev Med Hyg. 2006 Sep;47(3):91-9.
J Prev Med Hyg. 2006. PMID: 17217185
See all similar articles
Cited by
-
The Association of Junk Food Consumption with Preadolescents' Environmental Influences: A School-Based Epidemiological Study in Greece.
Gketsios I, Tsiampalis T, Foscolou A, Vassilakou T, Kanellopoulou A, Notara V, Antonogeorgos G, Rojas-Gil AP, Kornilaki EN, Lagiou A, Panagiotakos DB, Kosti RI. Gketsios I, et al. Children (Basel). 2022 Dec 2;9(12):1891. doi: 10.3390/children9121891. Children (Basel). 2022. PMID: 36553333 Free PMC article.
-
Efficacy of school-based intervention programs in reducing overweight: A randomized trial.
Marsigliante S, Ciardo V, Di Maglie A, My G, Muscella A.
Marsigliante S, et al. Front Nutr. 2022 Sep 29;9:1001934. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1001934. eCollection 2022. Front Nutr. 2022. PMID: 36245531 Free PMC article. -
Meeting 24-Hour Movement and Dietary Guidelines: Prevalence, Correlates and Association with Weight Status among Children and Adolescents: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China.
Yang Y, Yuan S, Liu Q, Li F, Dong Y, Dong B, Zou Z, Ma J, Baker JS, Li X, Liang W. Yang Y, et al. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 8;14(14):2822. doi: 10.3390/nu14142822. Nutrients. 2022. PMID: 35889779 Free PMC article.
-
Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States in 1999-2018: A 20-Year Analysis.
Tsoi MF, Li HL, Feng Q, Cheung CL, Cheung TT, Cheung BMY.
Tsoi MF, et al. Obes Facts. 2022;15(4):560-569. doi: 10.1159/000524261. Epub 2022 Mar 31. Obes Facts. 2022. PMID: 35358970 Free PMC article. -
Frequency of family meals and food consumption in families at high risk of type 2 diabetes: the Feel4Diabetes-study.
Mahmood L, González-Gil EM, Schwarz P, Herrmann S, Karaglani E, Cardon G, De Vylder F, Willems R, Makrilakis K, Liatis S, Iotova V, Tsochev K, Tankova T, Rurik I, Radó S, Moreno LA, Manios Y; Feel4Diabetes-Study Group. Mahmood L, et al. Eur J Pediatr. 2022 Jun;181(6):2523-2534. doi: 10.1007/s00431-022-04445-4. Epub 2022 Mar 30. Eur J Pediatr. 2022. PMID: 35353229 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
See all "Cited by" articles
Publication types
MeSH terms
Eating habits of a child - a risk factor for obesity
Eating habits - the basis of proper nutrition and a healthy digestive system.
In addition, "good" eating habits contribute to maintaining optimal metabolism, "bad" - to its violation and, as a result, the appearance of excess body weight.
Starting from 2018, the problem of excess weight becomes relevant in Russia. In the Republic of Altai, this problem is also becoming more and more urgent every year, especially among the children and adolescents.
According to an anonymous survey of the population aged 14-70 in the Republic of Altai for the period from 2018 to 2022, women are almost twice as likely to be overweight than men. Although, in both sex samples there are more people with normal weight.
More than half of the respondents consider their diet to be unhealthy, consume large amounts of salty, canned and simple carbohydrate foods, especially young people and adults of working age.
The most common bad eating habits among the female half are eating at night, eating a lot of sweets and not having breakfast, eating in front of the TV, computer, eating once or twice a day, stress eating are less common.
Among the male half, eating in front of the TV, computer, eating at night, eating once or twice a day, and not having breakfast are the most common.
A significant period in the formation of eating habits falls on the age of up to three years. Food preferences formed in the first three years of life remain fairly stable. With age, the percentage of different foods in the diet changes only slightly. It is important to maintain eating habits beyond the age of three because food preferences can change, and not always for the better.
Kindergartens and schools are of great importance in the formation and consolidation of eating habits. But the foundations are laid in the family. Often children copy the behavior of their parents at the table. Unfortunately, sometimes parents themselves can interfere with the formation of proper eating habits in children. Although they do it not intentionally and often with good intentions.
One of the most common mistakes of parents, leading to the formation of "wrong" eating habits, is excessive attention and discussion with the child about how he eats, expressing anxiety about this.
This may contribute to the emergence or maintenance of selective appetite in the child.
Another mistake is to be told to eat "healthy" food to get what you want. This tactic is more likely to instill a love for what is desired, and not for the “useful”.
Food reward and food manipulation. For example, buying a cake for good behavior.
Force-feeding that is not acceptable at any age. The exception is the psychiatric illness of the child.
Entertainment during meals - watching cartoons or playing on the phone. This is fraught with food entering the respiratory tract when the child laughs. It also contributes to the formation of the habit of eating between times, when attention from food is scattered, and a person controls the amount of food eaten worse.
Use of foods not suitable for the child. And both in the nutrition of the child, and in the nutrition of adults.
Excessive concern of parents that “the child does not eat anything at all” and fear that the child cannot independently regulate the processes of hunger and appetite.
Parents need to remember that children from an early age have the ability to regulate their energy needs and only eat when they are hungry. Children who eat large amounts of food eat less often, those whose portions were small eat more often.
Here are some tips for parents to help develop healthy eating habits in their children:
1. A complete, varied, balanced diet during pregnancy. Particular attention to the variety of vegetables and fruits.
2. Breastfeeding in the first year of life, with the correct organization of the woman's nutrition.
3. Timely complementary foods without added sugar and salt.
4. Accepting the taste preferences of the child. At the same time, do not leave attempts to introduce new foods into the child's diet. Do not force them to eat the "unaccepted" product, but periodically put it on the common table. Perhaps the child will still show interest and try the product later.
5.
Allow your child to eat when he is hungry, not when you think he should eat. Initially, it is necessary to put the feeling of hunger under control and form the child's eating regimen, starting with breastfeeding, so that the feeling of hunger comes by a certain time. This is not necessarily a fixed hour, it can vary between 20-40 minutes in both directions.
6. Be an example of good eating habits.
7. Use new recipes, it is interesting to decorate dishes for the child.
8. Combine your child's favorite healthy foods with healthy foods that he is not yet ready to eat separately.
9. Play vegetables and fruits, draw, sculpt them. This increases product recognition and increases the chances that a child will eat them with a desire. Tell your child interesting stories about the beneficial nutrients found in food: associate the benefits of the product with the child’s favorite character that he wants to imitate.
When a child builds a logical chain from the unique composition of the product to its effect on the body, then it will be easier for him to form the correct stereotype for himself “healthy means tasty”.
10. Expand the child’s knowledge with age, talk about multi-component products containing preservatives, flavor enhancers, large amounts of sugar and salt, fats, etc. But do not scare, but state only facts that are interesting for the perception of a small person with a huge fantasy.
11. Cook healthy meals together. As a rule, when a child himself had a hand in preparing a dish, he would at least show curiosity and try his creation.
Stop obesity - how to shape children's eating habits?
- Information about the material
- By sovetplus.com
- Health - useful tips
