Obesity is a new national epidemic. According to a recent prediction by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 40 percent of the American population will be considered obese by 2010. Americans live in a stress-filled environment with little time to eat properly, exercise or take care of themselves.

Since 1980, obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents. Of children and adolescents ages 6 to 19, 15 percent (about 9 million young people) are considered overweight.

Children living with limb loss are not excluded from this frightening statistic. Amputees have even more at stake in staying physically active. Without proper exercise, obese children are at greater risk in developing life-threatening secondary conditions.

 

What are secondary conditions?

A secondary condition is broadly defined as any medical, social, emotional, mental, family or community problem that a person with a primary disabling condition is likely to experience. The risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and cancer is higher for people who are overweight or obese. According to the CDC, about 17 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes, accounting for more than 90 percent of diabetes cases. An additional 20 million have pre-diabetes (blood glucose levels that are higher than normal), which is a strong risk factor for developing diabetes later in life. The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases estimates that 70 percent of diabetes risk can be attributed to excess weight.

 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Obesity is easier to prevent than to treat, but prevention can be based on proper education and behavior changes. Changing your child’s behavior doesn’t have to be difficult in order to be effective in preventing obesity and secondary conditions. Changing your child’s diet plan and incorporating more physical activity are keys to preventing obesity and its associated secondary conditions.

 

Physical Activity

Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. Even moderate physical activity, like a short stroll around the neighborhood, has significant health benefits. You should select activities that you and your child will enjoy.

 

Improving Your Diet

Set an example for your child with proper diet choices. Ensure that your child’s diet meets appropriate nutritional standards. People with diets that are high in fat, calories and sugar are linked to Type 2 diabetes.

 

Online Resources

American Obesity Association
www.obesity.org

American Diabetes Association ( ADA)
www.diabetes.org

VERB: It’s what you do. (National CDC and NIH campaign to increase physical activity in children)
www.verbnow.com

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service: Food Pyramid for Children
www.mypyramid.gov/kids

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
www.ncpad.org

 

Additional Resources

Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press, 2005.

Okie, Susan, M.D. Fed Up! Winning the War Against Childhood Obesity. Foreword by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. Washington, D.C.: Joseph Henry Press, 2005.

 

** The contents of these sites are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the ACA/NLLIC. The use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by the ACA/NLLIC.