•higher risk for certain diseases like type II diabetes
•breathing problems
•high blood pressure or cholesterol levels (risk factors for heart disease and stroke)
•psychological stress
•bodily discomfort
•higher risk of being obese as an adult
Researchers cite a number of factors that contribute to young people being obese or overweight. Not everyone has easy access to healthy food. Some neighborhoods do not have grocery stores or farmers’ markets—only convenience stores. Convenience stores tend to have many unhealthy food options. People may not be able to afford to join a gym. They may be too afraid of violence in their neighborhoods to go for a walk. Advertisements for less healthy foods are everywhere. Portion sizes at restaurants contain enough calories for several meals. Not all child care centers offer healthy food options. Mothers often lack support for breastfeeding their children (breastfeeding can protect against childhood obesity). Despite these barriers, many people still have all the information on how to have a healthy diet.
“I see childhood obesity as more of an implementation problem,” says Dana L. Rofey, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Most people know what to eat or that they need to exercise to have a healthy lifestyle. It’s a matter of doing these things that’s the problem.”
Researchers know well the reasons young people are obese or overweight. The reasons are different for everyone. Helping them find the best ways to prevent weight gain or lose weight can be more difficult. Engaging in regular physical activity is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents ages 6–17 should have 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Pitt researchers like Dr. Rofey are trying to discover the best ways to help young people. SoJung Lee, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics at Pitt’s School of Medicine, and Cara Conti, MS, research registered dietitian, Weight Management and Wellness Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, are running a NIH-funded study looking at how different kinds of exercise affect risk factors for type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease in overweight and obese adolescents.
“We’re currently recruiting obese, physically inactive adolescents (12–17 years old) to examine the health benefits of regular physical activity during adolescence,” says Dr. Lee, who is a lead investigator on this project. “We’re comparing the effects of six months of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and a combination of both exercises on body composition, fitness and disease risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We know from research that physical activity level decreases drastically during adolescence and that physically active youth are more likely to remain physically active in adulthood. Thus, enhancing physical activity level during adolescence is of importance.”
Ms. Conti works with the participants on adapting healthy eating habits. “Parents’ main concern is keeping their children healthy. So, we also look at the family dynamic, too. How much screen time does the family have? Are there opportunities to take family walks or move instead of watching television together?”
Dr. Rofey agrees that obesity prevention is a family-based intervention. “Parents leading by example is great,” she says. “Parents who have healthy lifestyles or lose weight have children who do the same. The easiest thing parents can do is remove the high-fat, high-calorie foods from their homes.”
For parents looking to help their families lead healthier lifestyles or to help children with weight issues, Dr. Rofey recommends getting help from health care providers or specialty care centers. Families can also go to ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information on healthy lifestyles.
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