Risk Factors

The Bogalusa Heart Study

A 40-year study done in Louisiana revealed that 77% of children who were overweight stayed overweight as adults (Freedman, 2001). A significant amount of these adults also showed adverse levels of lipids, insulin, and blood pressure. This study revealed that overweight or obese children are highly likely to suffer from their weight problems up into adulthood.

Socioeconomic Status

It was found that families are not as likely to be obese if their head of household attended college or received a college degree (CDC). Some people do not have the privilege of attending college, and that privilege might have the power to prevent severe health problems like obesity. Even if a low income family finds a way to send one member to college, they are still more likely to become obese than their higher income counterparts (CDC).

Parental Influence

There is also a relationship between parental influence and childhood obesity. Studies have shown that parental smoking increases the likeliness of childhood obesity by 40% (Williams et al., 2018). Additionally, having family dinners together reduces the chance of childhood obesity by 4% (Williams et al., 2018).

Childhood Trauma Affects Health

Researchers found a positive association between adverse life experiences and adult obesity (Rehkopf, 2016).
Childhood trauma can also lead to several other health conditions like diabetes, hepatitis, lung cancer, and heart disease (Burke, 2014).
Children may have trouble seeking help, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of childhood trauma and prevent lifelong health issues.
Watch Nadine Burke's TEDTalk to learn more about the dangers of childhood trauma.
Learn the signs and symptoms of childhood trauma provided by the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consult.

TEDTalk Trauma Signs and Symptoms

Guidelines

Visit the CDC website to gain more insight on what the recommended strategies and guidelines for child nutrition.

Environment

Our environment plays a large role in our health. Did you know that neighborhoods with supermarkets or farmer's markets are associated with lower rates of overweight children (Rahman, 2011)? This same study also discovered that physical activity rates are higher in places with transit and walkability/bikeability. What we see is that areas that lack healthy resources may predispose you or your child to unhealthy habits and outcomes. Make sure your next home is surrounded with healthy resources for the sake of your family's health.

Screen Time

As the world continues to advance, we can't help but be impacted by the constant technology in our lives. Researchers conducted a study in Michigan which monitored students screen time to see if it was associated with students weight. The results found that students with higher screen times had a higher risk, or were already suffering, from childhood obesity (Eagle et al., 2012). Reducing a child's amount of screen time could immensely impact their current and future health.

Race/Ethnicity

Researchers conducted a study to examine which demographic is potentially at risk for childhood obesity. Factors like socioeconomic status, race and/or ethnicity were measured in the study. 53% of the participants were white children, 25.12 % were hispanic children, and 13.88% were black children. Of the participants, hispanic children and black children had more cases of childhood obesity compared to white children (Williams et al., 2018). Does culture play a part, does socioeconomic status play a part? Researchers don't exactly know why people of color are more at risk, but it is important to educate these communities and promote their health.

Learn More...

Preventing and reducing the risk of childhood obesity is possible. Visit these pages to learn about obesity prevention methods and the obesity epidemic haunting our country.

Prevention Animation