Childhood obesity
ISSUE SUMMARY
According to the CDC, obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. Results of the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that the number of obese adolescents has tripled since 1980. Furthermore, children from minority populations are disproportionately impacted by childhood obesity.
Obese children and adolescents are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. For example, during their youth, obese children and adolescents are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes) than are other children and adolescents.
Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. For example, one study found that approximately 80 percent of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years. Another study found that 25 percent of obese adults were overweight as children. In addition to increasing the risk of becoming an obese adult, obese children are at greater risk for psychosocial issues, asthma, hepatic steatosis, and sleep apnea.
ADOPTED ACTION OR POLICY
KMS believes physicians should take a strong leadership role in raising public awareness of childhood obesity and the life-long health problems it can cause. Additionally, KMS should provide strong public support to local, state, and national efforts to fight childhood obesity. KMS should work cooperatively with other Kansas health care professional organizations to address the childhood obesity problems.
Adopted by the KMS House of Delegates on May 1, 2010.
