First lady, Michelle Obama, launched Let’s Move!, an anti-obesity program on February 9, 2010. Why is this program important?
Childhood obesity has become an urgent health matter. The CDC reports that approximately 17% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 are medically obese; that’s essentially one in every five boys and girls. Moreover, childhood obesity has almost tripled since 1980; a disturbing figure crossing all cultural lines.
Consequently, per Mary Mills (2004), the medical community is reporting an alarming increase in Type II Diabetes in obese children, a typically adult-onset condition. As well, a record number of these children are also diagnosed with high cholesterol and hypertension which may result in:
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea which may affect learning and memory
- Orthopedic problems
- Liver complications
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular problems
- Specific types of cancer
As if that weren’t enough, emotional problems are also a concern in obese children. Those subject to discrimination and name-calling exhibit signs of low self-esteem and depression.
Because an obese child’s physical condition is coupled with their emotional state, psychologists must:
1) Assist parents in identifying and acknowledging that a medical emergency exists. Many mothers fail to perceive their child as obese, thereby not conceding a problem with their child’s medical / emotional condition.
2) Encourage parents to speak with a doctor about their child’s health condition. A medical professional can determine the child’s risk of medical diseases as a result of the obesity.
3) Using behavioral techniques, work with parents in responding and directing their child to healthier eating habits. Parents must be prepared to work diligently with their child for change to occur.
4) Using behavioral techniques, assist the child in bringing their self-esteem, or other resulting emotional problems to a manageable level.
As psychologists, we can also address this medical emergency from a community perspective by encouraging:
1) Schools to serve healthier meals.
2) Parents to pack healthier snacks and lunches.
3) After school recreational activities, such as basketball, baseball, track, jump rope, etc., any activity that serves to increase a child’s metabolism and burn fat.
Thank you, Michelle Obama, for bringing childhood obesity to the forefront. Our children’s lives are at stake. Yes! Let’s Move!
Nereida M. Littrell, Ph.D.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Childhood and obesity. Data and statistics. Retrieved from website http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/data.html.
Eckstein, K.C. (2006). Parents' perceptions of their child's weight and health. Pediatrics, 117, 681-690.
Mills, M. (2004). Review Article: Orthopedic complications of childhood obesity. Pediatric Physical Therapy. DOI: 10.1097/01.PEP.0000145911.83738.C6
Torgan, C. (2002). Childhood obesity on the rise. The National Institutes of Health: Word on Health. Retrieved from website http://www.nih.gov/news/WordonHealth/jun2002/childhoodobesity.htm.
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