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� An escalating epidemic of overweight and obesity is affecting many countries in the world and if action is not taken now to stem the pandemic, millions of people will develop noncommunicable diseases and other health disorders,� (World Health Organization, 1997) |
 Image courtesy of Adbusters magazine 2002 |
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Childhood obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. In Canada, children
are progressively becoming more overweight. A study conducted by the Canadian
Medical Association Journal showed that between 1981 and 1996, the prevalence of
overweight children increased by 92% in boys and by 57% in girls. Additionally, the
prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in both boys and girls. Obesity may be
influenced by such factors as ethnicity, diet, socioeconomic status, and physical activity.
Since weight loss is more difficult to achieve in adulthood, preventing youth from
becoming obese is a significant health concern with long-term implications (Canadian Health Network, 2001).
Definitions: Body Mass Index - BMI is the commonly used indicator for obesity because it is easily measured and can detect extra body fat in the general population (Canadian Health Network, 2001). BMI is not as reliable a measure of fatness for children, especially across different ages and degrees of maturity, as it is for adults who have attained their peak height (Family Economics & Nutrition Review, 1998). BMI should be used in conjunction with other health measurements (i.e. skinfolds, activity/diet assessment, blood pressure) (Canadian Health Network, 2001). Overweight - refers to BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles (Canadian Health Network, 2001) Obese - refers to BMI > 95th percentile (Canadian Health Network, 2001) |
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References: Adbusters. (2002). Adbusters. Journal of the Mental Environment, 10(6). Canadian Health Network. (2001). Childhood obesity: an alarming trend. Retrieved October 29, 2002 from http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/html/newnotable/may1_2001e.html
Family Economics and Nutrition Review. (1998). Facts about childhood obesity and
overweightness. Retrieved October 29, 2002 from CINAHL Database with Full Text.
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