Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Obesity
Linda Moody & Allison Rogers
King University
Childhood Obesity: Etiology and
Pathophysiology
Excessive fat (adipose tissue) is the hallmark sign of obesity.
This may be caused by increased size of fat cells (hypertrophy) or increased
number of fat cells (hyperplasia) in the body.
Some risk factors that may cause obesity in children:
Smoking while pregnant with the child
Gaining weight too fast as a baby or small child
Bottle feeding or eating solid foods too early
Eating and drinking high-glycemic foods (sugars, sodas, and processed or prepackaged
foods)
Not eating enough high-fiber foods (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)
Using food as a reward or comfort during stressful times
Not getting enough exercise (too much television, or screen time with electronics such as
video games, computer, or phone)
Conditions to screen for if BMI is > 85th percentile for age and gender:
Nonalcoholic steatohepatits: ALT and aminotransferase (AST)
Thyroid function: thyroid panel
Sleep apnea: history of snoring or daytime somnolence
Polycystic ovary syndrome: free and total testosterone level
Psychological issues (low self-esteem, behavioral problems, depression): thorough history
(Smaldone, Steiner, & Whittemore, 2017)
Childhood Obesity: Standard Treatment
Regimens (Haemer, Primak, & Krebs, 2016)
Step 4:
Tertiary care
intervention
Step 3: (Not been successful
Comprehensive with previous steps.
multidisciplinary Multidisciplinary team
develops a plan that
Step 2: (Involves may include intensive
Structured weight multidisciplinary team behavior therapy,
management and may involve weekly specialized diets,
group meetings.) medications, and
(More specific and
Step 1: surgery.)
structured plan. Meal
Prevention
planning, exercise
(Emphasis on lifestyle prescription, and
changes: healthy eating behavioral changes with
and physical activity.) assistance of health
care professional.)
Resources For More Information (books,
websites, etc.)
Bright Futures
Bright Futures is a national health promotion and prevention initiative, led by the American Academy
of Pediatrics. Bright Futures provides theory-based and evidence-driven guidance for professionals
and families (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017).
Rethink your Drink
Rethink your Drink is a campaign supported by the American Heart Association. The Rethink your
drink program has been developed to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages by Americans,
especially children by creating and implementing policies designed to improve access to affordable,
nutritious foods and beverages, thereby making it easier for Americans to choose healthier foods
consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (American Heart Association, 2017 para 2).
Kick the Can
Kick the Can is a program initiated by the Public Health Advocates (PHAdvocates). PHAdvocates is an
advocacy program whose mission is to solve the obesity and diabetes epidemics by promoting
policies that build healthier communities (Public Health Advocates, 2017).
Financial and/or Community Resources
Available to Manage Condition
Healthy Kingsport and the #LiveSugarfreed movement
Healthy Kingsport is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy
living and wellness in the community. Healthy Kingsport has initiated
the #LiveSugarfreed movement to encourage the reduction of
sugary drink consumption.
#LiveSugarfreed is taking on the epidemics of obesity and diabetes
by encouraging people to drink water or other healthier beverages
instead of beverages that contain sugar (Public Goods Project, 2015,
para2).
Financial and/or Community Resources
cont.
According to Healthy Kingsport (2015), the #LiveSugarfreed initiative
has encouraged numerous businesses in the Kingsport area to
pledge against the consumption of sugary beverages in their
establishments. The 3 levels of pledges are
Gold Level: Organizations who do not sell, provide, or promote
sugary beverages.
Silver Level: Organizations who discourage sugary beverages.
Bronze Level: Organizations who promote and encourage water.
Financial and/or Community Resources
cont.
To date, 80 organizations have pledged in the Gold level, 74 in the Silver level, and
96 in the Bronze. Of the organizations that have made pledges, 13 schools including
Kingsport City Schools have also pledged to reduce sugary drink consumption.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Bright futures prevention and health promotion for infants, children, adolescents, and
their families. Retrieved from: https://brightfutures.aap.org/Pages/default.aspx
American Heart Association [Internet]. (Updated February 01, 2017). Added sugars. Retrieved from:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Added-Sugars_UCM_305858_Article.jsp#.WNvRCoWcHmJ
American Heart Association [Internet]. (Updated August 17, 2015). BMI in children. Retrieved from:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyKids/ChildhoodObesity/BMI-in-
Children_UCM_308993_Article.jsp#.WNvRiYWcHmJ
Filikins, S. & Dunn, A. M. (2017). Nutrition. In C. E. Burns, A. M. Dunn, M. A. Brady, N. B. Starr, C. G. Blosser, & D. L. Garzon (Eds.),
Pediatric Primary Care, 6th (ed.), (pp. 158-197). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Haemer, M. A., Primak, L. E., & Krebs, N. F. (2016). Normal childhood nutrition & its disorders. In W. W. Hay, M. J. Levin, R. R.
Deterding, & M. J. Abjung (Eds.), Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics, 23rd (ed.), (pp. 281- 307). New York, NY:
McGraw Hill Education.
References cont.
Public Health Advocates. (2017). Kick the can: Giving the boot to sugary drinks. Retrieved from:
http://www.kickthecan.info/
Smaldone, A., Steiner, R. D., & Whittemore, B. J. (2017). In C. E. Burns, A. M. Dunn, M. A. Brady, N. B. Starr, C. G. Blosser, & D. L.
Garzon (Eds.), Pediatric Primary Care, 6th (ed.), (pp. 596-625). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.