Nurses Know! - Addressing Childhood Obesity

By: Ruth Young RN

Obesity is a growing concern in our community that is affecting children at alarming rates. According to the CDC, more than half of the adults in the U.S. are overweight, and the number of overweight children and teens has doubled in the past decade. An estimated 17% of children and adolescents age 2-19 are overweight. (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)
The cause of obesity may be genetically linked or lifestyle behaviors and this may put you at risk for developing other medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. (CDC) Other problems that may also develop are depression, anxiety, low self-esteem & poor body image.
With the help of the parents and the Community Health Nurse, this problem can be managed successfully with diet modifications, an exercise regimen, and maybe counseling for some individuals.
First there is a need to assess the family’s willingness to change; secondly we need to focus on healthy behaviors, its not just about losing weight. Education on fresh fruits and vegetable consumption, incorporation of 3 balanced meals a day, limiting highly processed foods, and comparison shopping may be beneficial for those families who aren’t able to buy healthy foods due to the cost.
The nurse needs to place an emphasis on getting the children back to being active instead of watching television, playing video games, and surfing the internet. The parents need to be educated on providing physical activity for their children which helps keep them healthy.

References
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhanes/DataAccomp.htm http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/overweight/overwght_child_03.htm

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Ruth Young RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.