Why and How Is Childhood Obesity Unhealthy?

It's fairly common knowledge that being overweight or obese is unhealthy. But many people think that any diseases caused by obesity take years or even decades to become a problem. This is untrue.

There has been a recent rise in type 2 diabetes, and it has not only affected the adult population. Obese children are also developing diabetes, usually between the ages of 12 and 14. Unfortunately, most of these new cases deal with type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes causes the body to attack the pancreas, which produces insulin, a protein that regulates cholesterol and fat metabolism. As a result, no insulin is produced, so people with this disease must inject themselves with insulin regularly to avoid high blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes is not preventable.

Type 2 diabetes, however, is preventable. People who are overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which causes insulin to function improperly. This can be managed with diet, exercise, and possibly insulin injections, but the unfortunate part is that it can actually promote weight gain, making it more difficult for people with this condition to lose the weight that is contributing to their disease in the first place.

Obesity in children also affects the respiratory system, according to studies. Overweight children frequently develop breathing problems like asthma or sleep apnea. Asthma is characterized by difficulty breathing, including coughing, wheezing, and tightness of the chest. Children have to use steroid inhalers to breathe properly, making daily life difficult. Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing for up to 10 seconds while asleep.

Children with a higher body fat percentage are more at risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease as early as young adulthood. Their hearts also tend to beat more quickly, and they can develop serious heart abnormalities that require medical attention during childhood.

Blount's disease, in which one or both tibia bend, is another possible effect of obesity in children. Bowlegs tend to straighten with time, but Blount's tends to worsen with time. A child with Blount's disease may have to wear leg braces and/or undergo surgery to correct the problem, and even after surgery, there is a chance of recurrence.

These are the most common and serious health effects associated with childhood obesity, but there are many more that can cause lasting damage. If your child is overweight or obese, be sure to schedule regular medical check-ups and begin helping him or her to lose weight and lead a healthier, happier life.

Daily Fitness Options

Many parents want to encourage their children to exercise, but they don't have the money to send them to expensive exercise or dance classes. Others don't have the time or energy to maintain a strict exercise schedule for their kids on top of work obligations. Good news: There are simple ways to encourage exercise without spending huge amounts of time or money.

In fact, there are many small activities that you and your child can do every day:

• Take the stairs

It's tempting, especially when in a hurry or when feeling tired, to take the elevator whether you're going up two flights or ten. If you're pressed for time and only need to climb 5 or so flights, it may actually be faster to take the stairs instead of waiting for an elevator to arrive. Even when the elevator takes more time, many people stand and wait because they dislike the feeling of being tired or worn out that comes with exercise like climbing stairs. But when you start to view that feeling as a good thing, as a sign that your body is adapting and growing stronger, you may grow to like it more than you'd think. Try encouraging your child to race you to the floor you need to reach--and you should actually try to win. Depending on their age, children may notice if you're challenging them to a race, then not participating. Be careful, but have fun as well!

• Chores

Whether it's dusting, doing laundry, washing dishes, making dinner, or doing yardwork, daily household chores can get kids moving and working. Few children actually enjoy these activities, but playing some of their favorite music and making it fun can help enormously. Work that can be done outdoors is especially beneficial because it encourages an active lifestyle.

• Outdoor activities

If chores aren't enough, set up a fun activity like sidewalk chalk drawing, bicycle riding, or rollerblading. Sidewalk chalk is relatively inexpensive, and it encourages creativity and outdoor play instead of television or video games. Biking or rollerblading can be a fun group activity for your child and other neighborhood kids; one bicycle or one pair of roller blades can last a long time and be well worth the money spent. If your child is reluctant to part with technology, begin slowly by gifting or lending a camera to take pictures around the neighborhood. Your child can explore and possibly learn a valuable skill (photography) along the way.

These are only a few of the many options available to busy parents who wish to see their children stay happy and healthy. Do some brainstorming during free time, or ask your child what he or she would be interested in trying. If you run into difficulties, try making a list of many different activities and letting your child choose which ones are of interest. Be flexible, patient, and always encouraging!

Zumba -- Dance Fitness

One of the most important aspects of health is physical fitness, but it can often be difficult for families, especially those with children, to find time to exercise. By participating in scheduled exercise classes or events, families can get the exercise they need; Zumba is one such program that has met with great success in getting kids and their families to have fun and get fit at the same time.

Zumba is a unique dance fitness program that is open to all ages. Its fun, Latin-based approach to fitness allows parents and children alike to get in shape while dancing to international music. There are many different types of Zumba classes, including Zumbatomic, a program designed exclusively for children ages 4-12. These classes incorporate choreography that's easy for kids to master while still having fun, as well as music targeted specifically for children. Other classes include Aqua Zumba, a water-based class, and Zumba Gold, a program tailored for the baby boomer generation.

There are several locations throughout West Virginia and nearby locations in surrounding states that offer classes (some are weekly, others biweekly, and a few take place several times a week.) Interested families can visit the official Zumba website to learn more and search for nearby classes.

If you can't find a class near you, or if the time slots are incompatible with your schedule, the website includes a Shop section where you can purchase DVDs or a soundtrack CD that allow you to exercise Zumba-style in your own home. Or if you'd prefer a more interactive at-home experience, the shop includes a Zumba video game for the Xbox 360. You can also purchase fitness equipment and clothing from the website.

The video below is an example of a Zumbatomic class:

School Lunches

One of the most memorable parts of my day in junior high and high school was lunchtime. It was the best part of the day, largely because it was a time to take a break from classes, talk to friends, and (of course) eat. At the time, I never questioned school lunches beyond the occasional "that looks gross" or "this tastes like plastic," but now that it isn't a regular part of my life anymore, I can acknowledge that the lunches in Parkersburg, West Virginia weren't very healthy.

The foods I recall being served to us most often are: hot dogs, cheeseburgers, french fries, onion rings, and most of all, pizza. I remember at least four distinct types of pizza that we were served regularly, one of which was a bagel-style pizza, for breakfast. We were also allowed to request "double" lunch. This option meant that if two different types of the main course were being served, we could have both--pizza and a cheeseburger, a hot dog and spaghetti, taco salad and chicken nuggets--in addition to side dishes. As a student, I thought that this was the best idea ever, but studies conducted since I left high school have changed my opinion drastically.

According to recent research conducted by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, students who eat school lunch are more likely to be overweight or obese. They are also "more than twice as likely to consume fatty meats and sugary drinks." The most drastic statistic shows that children who eat school meals consume far fewer fruits and vegetables than children who bring lunch from home (16.3% vs. 91.2%). These factors can cause higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol slowly builds up in arteries, combining with other material to form plaque, which eventually narrows the arteries, increasing risk of stroke- and heart-attack-inducing blockages.

Healthy food is significantly more expensive than processed food, so any changes in lunchrooms may take quite a while to come into effect. Until that time, students can benefit greatly from bringing meals to school that include nutritious food.