What The Experts Say
Here we provide professional studies and research results of
interest to families. Keep watching, the postings change regularly.
Childhood Obesity
What's the prevalence of childhood obesity in Canada?
In 2004, 26% of children and youth ages 2-17 years were overweight or obese, including 8% who were obese. Overweight and obesity among 2-5 year olds remained the same between 1979 and 2004 (21%), with obesity reported at 6.3% in 2004. Overweight and obesity doubled among 6-17 year olds between 1979 and 2004 and obesity tripled among adolescents aged 12-17 years.
What are the health consequences of childhood obesity?
Childhood obesity has been associated with:
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Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance
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Type 2 diabetes
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Hypertension
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Sleep apnea
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Impaired balance
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Orthopedic problems
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Low self-esteem
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negative body image
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Depression
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Negative stereotyping
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Teasing and bullying
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Social marginalization
Resources
Koplan, J.P., Liverman, C.T. & Kraak, V.A. (Eds.) (2004). Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance. Committee on Prevention of Obesity in children and Youth. Food and Nutrition Board. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press.
Shields, M. (2005). Measured Obesity: Overweight Canadian Children and Adolescents. Nutrition: Findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Issue no. 1. Statistics Canada, 2005. Available from www.statcan.ca.