Dietz, W.H. & Gortmaker, S.L. (1987, May). Increasing pediatric obesity in the U.S. American Journal Of Diseases Of Children.

OVERVIEW

This study is based on an analysis of data gathered by the National Center for Health Statistics from 21,680 children. Obesity was measured by the amount of fat in the participants’ arms. Researchers assumed that 15% of the fattest children in a 1960 survey were obese. They checked to see how many youngsters in later years were as fat as that top 15%.

FINDINGS

• Between 1963 and 1980, obesity in children increased 54% in children ages 6-11 and 39% among those ages 12-17.
• Slightly more boys than girls ages 6-11 are obese; more girls than boys ages 12-17 are obese.
• Black children are thinner than whites, and poorer children are thinner than richer kids, but these gaps are closing.
• The fattest kids in the U.S. are located in large urban areas in the Northeast.
• In an earlier study, Dietz and Gortmaker found the incidence of obesity increasing 2% for each additional hour the young person averages watching television.

CONCLUSIONS

• "Childhood obesity is epidemic in the U.S."
• Current obesity in children is generally caused by watching too much television, getting too little exercise, and eating too many high-fat foods.
• Although childhood weight problems are not usually linked to serious diseases, childhood obesity is predictive of adult obesity. Adult weight problems are underlying causes of heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and diabetes.

OTHER STUDIES

• Abraham, Collins and Nordsieck (1971) found that 86% of overweight boys and 80% of overweight girls became overweight adults; only 42% of average-weight boys and 18% of average-weight girls became obese as adults.
• Winick’s study (1974) noted that when both parents are fat, the children are likely to be fat.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Being overweight is a personal matter although physical, psychological, and social problems accompany the condition.
2. Obesity can begin in infancy, but in older children and teens is usually a response to stressful situations or a difficult life event. Not only the model of obese parents but negative parental life responses can cause a tendency toward obesity.
3. The psychosocial effects of obesity are cyclic. Lack of nurturing can encourage self-gratification through overeating. Becoming overweight can bring low self-esteem and depression. Consequent social withdrawal may lead to more weight gain, social isolation, lower self-esteem, and despair.
4. Parents, teachers, and youth leaders must be sensitive in dealing with this issue in children and teenagers. Family patterns that give food or gifts rather than love and proper nurturing must be taken into account. Then, it is important to see how the young person uses food as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or loneliness. Special occasions or activities such as eating while watching television must be identified before establishing a program of behavior modification with the help of a physician and group support.
5. Growth in self-esteem and social skills important for the person caught in the cycle we have been describing. The presence of a family that wants to work on issues within its system and a supportive group, strong leader, or therapist are important.
6. Above all, remember that overeating is about a person, not just a problem. Acceptance and approval must not be based on weight loss, but on the dignity and beauty that reach beyond this issue.