The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is currently considered an epidemic in the United States, affecting over 19% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years. Among Hispanic children, the percentage is even higher, affecting over 25% of children and adolescents prior to the COVID-19 pandemic¹. The fact that it disproportionally effects minority children, including Hispanic and Latino children, presents a major obstacle in achieving health equity. Addressing this epidemic in children, particularly those most vulnerable, is necessary to provide a healthier future for all Americans.

Childhood obesity has negative consequences for both physical and psychological health. Obesity can lead to issues such as diabetes, sleep apnea, joint problems, and cardiovascular disease². Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults, increasing their risk of serious health conditions later in life. Although the physical effects of childhood obesity are cause for concern, the psychological effects are just as detrimental to a child’s growth and development. Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience depression and low self-esteem, which interferes with their quality of life and academic success³.

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the disparity obesity rates, particularly in minority children. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention comparing weight gain before and during the pandemic demonstrated a marked increase in body mass index (BMI) in a cohort of individuals aged 2-19 years ⁴. Another study published in Pediatrics indicated that the increase in obesity rates was more pronounced in individuals who were Hispanic, Black, publicly insured, or lower income ⁵. In addition to the long term effects of obesity children, like adults, are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 if they are overweight or obese ⁶.

The National Hispanic Medical Association has been researching ways to raise awareness of this issue and support initiatives that combat the obesity epidemic in our youth. As a result, NHMA has partnered with Novo Nordisk to increase the awareness of obesity as a disease and improve diagnostics and treatments by encouraging the sharing of information. NHMA also joined the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) which works to change the approach to combatting obesity through legislation, regulation, and communication. As a part of OCAN, NHMA actively monitors legislation that could improve obesity outcomes. One piece of legislation is S. 596, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021. This bill provides coverage two obesity treatments: intensive behavioral therapy and Medicare Part D coverage of obesity medication.

The effects of childhood obesity are highly detrimental to the health of Hispanics and Latinos. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities. NHMA, through its robust network of advocates and providers, remains committed to taking action to improve the lives of Hispanic and Latino individuals across the United States.

References

[1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood Obesity Facts | Overweight & Obesity | CDC. Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html. Published 2021. Accessed October 25, 2021.
[2]Sahoo K, Sahoo B, Choudhury AK, Sofi NY, Kumar R, Bhadoria AS. Childhood obesity: causes and consequences. J Fam Med Prim Care. 2015;4(2):187. doi:10.4103/2249-4863.154628
[3]Rankin J, Matthews L, Cobley S, et al. Psychological consequences of childhood obesity: psychiatric comorbidity and prevention. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2016;7:125. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S101631
[4]Lange SJ. Longitudinal Trends in Body Mass Index Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Persons Aged 2–19 Years — United States, 2018–2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(37):1278-1283. doi:10.15585/MMWR.MM7037A3
[5]Jenssen BP, Kelly MK, Powell M, Bouchelle Z, Mayne SL, Fiks AG. COVID-19 and Changes in Child Obesity. Pediatrics. 2021;147(5). doi:10.1542/PEDS.2021-050123
[6]U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity, Race/Ethnicity, and COVID-19 | Overweight & Obesity | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/obesity-and-covid-19.html. Published 2021. Accessed October 25, 2021.