(Chapter 11) Childhood Obesity and BMI

Question 1

what is the definition of BMI?

Answer 1

the weight in kilo. divided by the square of the height in meters

Question 2

what BMI does obesity begin at at age 6? age 10?

Answer 2

19 , 24

Question 3

what percent of American children are obese?

Answer 3

20-30%

Question 4

what are the different factors that cause obesity?

Answer 4

-heredity
recent increase in obesity is not genetic as it takes time for genes to change

-lack of exercise
influenced by heredity, willingness to engage in strenuous play, availability of safe play, parents example, and parents weight

-television
kids who watch tv burn less calories than if they were doing nothing at all, and also TV is full of food ads

-cultural attitudes
in some cultures, overeating is a sign of wealth and happiness (these values once helped prevent death and starvation)

-precipitating event
for some kids, obesity can begin with a traumatic experience. such event usually corresponds with the need for an alternative source of gratification (food)

Question 5

what is the best way to get kids to lose weight?

Answer 5

increase activity level

especially in areas where size is not a detriment to a team or competition ie) walking to school, swimming, bicycling

Question 6

what is the significance of age 10

Answer 6

if children can make it to a healhy weight and not overeat by age ten their risks of being an overweight adult decrease