Obesity-Related Problems Becoming

Second Leading Cause Of Death

DANBURY –– The “supersizing of America” is causing more obesity today, which in turn, is making weight-related health complications the second leading cause of death. Since 1980, obesity in America has tripled.

Jack Fong, MD, chairman of pediatrics at Danbury Hospital, says that the burgeoning obesity problem is causing more Type II diabetes in children, which can later cause many serious health problems. Problems can affect all areas of health, including endocrinology, cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, psychology, and orthopedics.

Dr Fong spoke to the community recently, along with Elizabeth Bradley, MD, an internist; Janet Hiser, chief clinical dietitian; and Michele Smallidge, exercise physiology and registered dietitian, at a Medical Town Meeting sponsored by the hospital, “Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic.”

The problem is so widespread, that one in four adults, or 54 million persons, are considered overweight, according to Dr Bradley. It is estimated that 300,000 deaths a year result from obesity. Consider these facts: An overweight parent is more likely to have overweight children. A child has a 40 percent chance of being obese if one parent is overweight.

 “It’s estimated that 15 percent of children ages 6 to 19 are overweight,” according to Ms Hiser. Overweight is defined as being in the 95 percentile on body mass index. High risk is considered between 85 and 95 percentile.

“Our American way,” is to blame, said Dr Bradley, especially with the availability of so much fast food. Childhood inactivity, due to video games and too much TV-watching, only add to the problem. As more countries get Americanized, overweight issues are starting to spread around the globe, too, she added.

While adults can find treatments in gastric bypass surgery and certain drugs, not much is available for children. The panel advises a sensible diet, behavioral therapy, and exercise.

About 88 percent of children, ages 6–18, have a diet that needs improvement or is poor, according to Ms Hiser. Portion size and too many soft drinks are part of the problem. For example, she said, in 1950, a typical soda size was 6.5 ounces. In 1990, it grew to 20 ounces. A supersize today is 40 ounces. High-sugar beverages are like “liquid candy,” warns Dr Fong.

To combat the problem, the panel suggests that parents take an active role in modeling good nutritional behavior for their children, and working in concert with the schools and the community.

“At home, eat together as a family,” said Ms Hiser, “and eat the same foods.” She also suggests spending time playing together and doing physical activities. Set limits on TV, videos and fast-food consumption.

Ms Smallidge agrees. “Exercise has great implications,” she said. She suggests getting children physically active at an early age. Walk to the park instead of drive. “Get your children outside.”

The Surgeon General advises that one hour a day of exercise is needed to be healthy.

For more information on combating childhood obesity, ask a pediatrician or check the Danbury Hospital website at www.danburyhospital.org.