Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Being overweight can cause serious long-term health issues, but the statistics of childhood obesity are staggering. More than 100 million children worldwide are considered obese, and in the United States, 1 out of 3 children are diagnosed as clinically overweight.

Over the past few years, there has been nearly a 20% increase in the obesity rate of children and teens. This is calculated by the BMI (body mass index) of children being above the 85th percentile in comparison to children of the same sex and age in weight.

Why are so many kids having trouble with weight gain? Two major offenders are not being active enough and eating an unhealthy diet full of sugar, fat and complex carbohydrates.

Many children do not move enough throughout the day; they live sedentary lives, so much so that they can be equally compared to the inactivity level of older adults in their 60’s and 70’s. Some children sit in front of the television, computers, or play electronic gaming devices far more frequently throughout their day than they get exercise. They need more physical movement to burn calories adequately.

Childhood obesity can lead to the following diseases and disorders:
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) states, Childhood Obesity and Child Wellbeing has immediate and long-term impacts on physical, social, and emotional health. For example:
• Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases that impact physical health, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease.
• Children with obesity are bullied and teased more than their normal weight peers, and are more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.
• In the long term, childhood obesity also is associated with having obesity as an adult, which is linked to serious conditions and diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and several types of cancer.

Professional medical assistance is essential. Getting your child the proper help now is critical for them to be able to live long-lasting, healthy, productive lives. If your child needs help losing weight, Arcadia Medical will map out a specific algorithm according to their needs and also test your child for chronic and acute disorders associated with being overweight.

Arcadia Medical Associates
Arcadia Medical Associate’s Medical Team and staff are committed to providing a personalized, pleasant, and discreet experience, exceptional care, and are eager to assist you with any of your healthcare needs. Their offices are fluent in English and Spanish, and they have three locations to serve you.

For all of your family practice needs, please contact Arcadia Medical Associates today at the following locations:

AMA

www.arcadia-medical.com

Arcadia Medical Associates, Sarasota Office
2415 University Parkway, Bldg 3, Suite 111,
Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: (941) 359-3337

Arcadia Medical Associates, Arcadia Office
425 Nursing Home Drive,
Arcadia, FL 34266
Phone: (863) 993-2966

Arcadia Medical Associates, Wauchula Office
324 S. 6th Avenue,
Wauchula, FL 33873
Phone: (863) 473-4733