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The Doctor Is In...
Preventing Adult Obesity Begins During Childhood
Dr. Joseph Kelly
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Clinical and Program Policy and Acting Chief Medical Officer, TRICARE Management Activity
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Obesity is a serious medical condition that often begins in childhood. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, overweight children are at greater risk for many serious health problems.
TRICARE Standard covers annual school physicals for children ages 5–11 and well-child visits for children up to age 6 that include recording your child’s height and weight. At TRICARE, we feel that winning the battle against adult obesity begins with combating childhood obesity. Monitoring your child’s body mass index (BMI), which is calculated from height and weight, can help determine if he or she is overweight or obese.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children whose BMI is between the 85th and 94th percentile for their age (i.e., 85–94 percent of their peers have an equal or lower BMI) are “at risk” for obesity. Those with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile are considered obese.
To help you better understand the link between childhood obesity and adult obesity, consider these findings from the Office of the Surgeon General:
- Overweight or obese adolescents have a 70-percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
- Children of overweight or obese adults have an 80-percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
- Overweight and obese children and adolescents have higher risks for “adult” diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease caused by high blood pressure and high cholesterol, compared to those with a healthy weight.
Obese children are also at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems, such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.
Following these healthy eating habits can lower the risk of obesity and its associated diseases in both children and adults:
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Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products.
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Switch to low-fat or nonfat milk or dairy products.
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Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils and beans.
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Eat reasonably sized portions.
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Drink plenty of water.
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Limit sugar-sweetened beverages, fats and sweets.
Engaging in physical activity is also important for maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, aids in weight loss and prevents weight gain. The CDC recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children, and at least three days per week should include vigorous intensity aerobic activities like running; muscle strengthening activities like push-ups or gymnastics; and bone-strengthening activities like jumping rope.
Here are some age-appropriate activities for children and adolescents:
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Walking, running or bike riding
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Hiking, skating or rollerblading
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Volleyball, softball, baseball, flag football or soccer
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Cheerleading, dancing or gymnastics
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Sit-ups, push-ups or swinging on playground equipment
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Hopping, skipping and jumping
Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising can make a big difference in the health and lives of your children. Addressing and preventing childhood obesity is a key step in ensuring they’ll lead healthier lives in the future.
To learn more about fighting childhood obesity, visit TRICARE's Web Site.
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