As a Camino Medical Group pediatrician for 20 years, I have seen more cases of colds and flu than I can count and have counseled hundreds of parents on issues such as colic, potty-training and temper tantrums. Over the years, potentially fatal diseases such as meningitis and common childhood illnesses, including chicken pox and measles, have been eliminated by new vaccines.

Despite our technological advances in medicine, a disturbing and growing trend is the increase in childhood obesity. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control reported that fewer people died from motor vehicle accidents, alcohol, microbial and toxic agents, firearms, sexual behavior and illicit drug use than from conditions related to being overweight, including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. While the rise in childhood obesity has claimed headlines and news coverage in recent months, it needs to seize the attention of parents and schools, for this is a problem which physicians alone cannot solve.

Every day, loving and dedicated parents sit across from me, justifiably worried about their overweight children. Their children are part of a burgeoning trend; obesity and overweight has more than tripled in the past 40 years.

According to national health examination surveys, the incidence of obesity for children ages 6 to 19 varied between 5 percent and 7 percent from 1960 to 1980, and rose to 11 percent by 1994 and 15 percent by 2000. At this rate, the prevalence of overweight children and adolescents could reach, and possibly exceed, 20 percent by 2010.

While hurtful, playground taunts are not the greatest threat to overweight children. Obese and overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of being overweight as adults. Obesity puts people at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, type A diabetes, asthma, and bone and joint disorders. It also contributes to depression and poor self esteem.

Genetics play an important role in determining a child's body type and metabolism, but the bulk of obesity occurrences can be attributed to a combination of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, including consuming fast food and sodas.

Typical of the obesity trend is a child who, at only 11 or 12 years old, is already 40 pounds overweight. They might show early signs of high blood pressure problems and are unquestionably at risk for diabetes. A diet high in sugar and fat plus a daily routine of sitting in front of a TV or computer screen are leading them toward a life of ill health.

For these individuals, I do not advise dieting and drastic weight loss. Rather, I stress the importance of changing their eating patterns and increasing their physical activities, which will halt the weight gain and perhaps result in a slow weight loss. Even without weight loss, as the child grows taller, the weight will be more in line with their height. With a newer, healthier outlook on nutrition, they will notice an increase in energy and will be on the road to a lifetime of wellbeing.

As awareness of the short- and long-term risks of obesity grows, my Camino Medical Group colleagues and I are asked by parents what they can do. My first advice is this: Be a good role model. Encourage healthy eating and organize fun family activities such as hiking, biking and swimming. Unplug the TV and buy mountain bikes! The entire family will benefit by these activities as well as by switching to healthier meals and snacks.

Camino Medical Group regularly offers compassionate care, physician advice and educational seminars on healthy living and obesity. Knowledge and support can help, but much of the responsibility falls to the parents and teachers to guide our youngsters toward healthier life choices. All of us can help our children by promoting and providing healthy foods at home and school and promoting after-school sports and family outings. These new habits will carry through to their adult years and support a healthier and happier life and society.

Local Pediatric Weight Management Programs (.pdf)

Patricia Samson, M.D. Pediatrics
Camino Medical Group
Mountain View
4/13/04

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