LANSING, MI - A study released today from the University of Michigan shows that Michigan children are heavier than children from the rest of the nation. In addition, Michigan has a larger number of children than expected who are overweight and obese. Thirty-three percent of Michigan girls and 34% of Michigan boys are classified as overweight. Eighteen percent of girls between the ages of 12-18 and 19% of boys between the ages of 12-19 were evaluated as obese.
"These data are disturbing," says Dr. Charles T. Kuntzleman, a University of Michigan faculty member. Kuntzleman, director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan Fitness for Youth Program, states that "these weight differences, whether due to Michigan's harsh winters, an overall lack of physical exercise, heredity or poor eating habits, are troubling. First, a large number of children were involved - over 15,000. Second, older children - particularly the boys had a greater problem."
The boys were as much as seven pounds heavier than the national norm (Table 1). Instead of examining weight alone, the University of Michigan study examined the body mass index (BMI) of 15,832 male and female youths ages 5-19 in 22 Michigan schools. The BMI (weight divided by height) was used since it corrects for height differences among children. The U.S. department of Health and Human Services recognizes body mass index as the way to determine overweight and obesity in large sample studies. If a person's BMI reaches or exceeds the 75th percentile, he or she is considered overweight. The 85th percentile is used as a cutoff point for teenage obesity, and the 95th percentile is used for younger children (Table 2).
This study may be a warning for insurers such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (Blues). Kuntzleman notes than, "Overweight and obesity are important risk factors in heart disease. Evidence is now available that risk factors such as overweight and obesity track - that is, if a child is overweight or obese at age 12, there is a greater likelihood that he or she will be overweight or obese as an adult. This study serves notice that a large number of Michigan children may be at increased risk for disease now or later in life. This may have important implications for controlling health care costs in the future and keeping Michigan citizens healthy."
"Long-standing obesity increases medical problems, and consequently, health care costs," says Kuntzleman. "It is conjecture on my part, but I find it significant that Michigan is in the top ten states for heart disease in this country. One reason may be that our children have a higher obesity rate, and hence, increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life."
According to the researchers, excess fat may also affect children today and in the future. Obesity seems to affect self-esteem negatively, particularly among teenagers. Because of this, the psychological strength of the child may be impaired. This can have significant implications for their success in life or at school.
Parents can play a key role in helping their children control body fat and weight by encouraging them to be physically active; modeling and active lifestyle; providing good, wholesome food; and assisting their children in adopting healthy lifestyle programs.
Even small changes in weight can be significant. One study showed that for every five pounds an adult lost, one year was added to his or her longevity. Working with young children will probably go a long way in preventing the many conditions that result from carrying an excess amount of body weight.
Earlier Fitness for Youth studies have shown that Fitness for Youth-type programs can reduce children's body fat by as much as 5%. Such a reduction could have a significant implications in terms of longevity and overall health.
|
Table
1* |
||||
|
|
BOYS |
GIRLS |
||
|
Age |
U.S. |
MI |
U.S. |
MI |
|
6 |
52 |
51 |
51 |
49 |
|
10 |
81 |
83 |
82 |
83 |
|
14 |
129 |
132 |
120 |
124 |
|
17 |
155 |
162 |
129 |
134 |
|
Table
2* |
||||
|
|
BOYS |
GIRLS |
||
|
Age |
Overweight |
Obese |
Overweight |
Obese |
|
6 |
28% |
9% |
22% |
5% |
|
10 |
38% |
3% |
34% |
7% |
|
14 |
32% |
21% |
35% |
23% |
|
17 |
37% |
27% |
43% |
22% |
*A complete listing of all age groups is found in the actual research paper.