childhood obesity

1. Causes and consequences of
childhood obesity
in the U.S.
by Iveta Fitzwater
Ohio University

2. Problem of childhood obesity
• 1 out of 3 children is
overweight/obese
• 17% or 12.7 million 2-19 year-olds
obese

3. Causes of childhood obesity
• Behavior
 unhealthy diet pattern
 physical inactivity

4. Causes of childhood obesity (cont.)
• Community environment
 advertising of less healthy
foods
 no safe and appealing place, in
many communities, to play

5. Causes of childhood obesity (cont.)
• Community environment
 greater availability of high-energy-dense foods
 greater availability of sugar sweetened beverages
 increasing portion sizes in public places

6. Consequences of childhood obesity
• Health risks
 high blood pressure + high
cholesterol = cardiovascular
disease
 impaired glucose tolerance =
type 2 diabetes
 breathing problems = sleep
apnea and asthma
 joint problems

7. Consequences of childhood obesity (cont.)
• Health risks
 depression and
behavioral
problems
 low self-esteem
 adult obesity

8. Reference
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (2016).
Childhood overweight and
obesity. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity
/childhood/index.html