A recent Australian study found that 26.1 per cent of boys and 23.1 per cent of girls in New South Wales schools are obese or overweight. So what are the health risks that flow from this problem?
Using data from a substantial, long-term study, they found that women with a low body mass index (BMI) at age 18 did not face a higher risk for death when compared with those who were of normal weight, but a higher-than-normal BMI at age 18 was associated with a higher risk for death. Causes of death for those with elevated BMI included cancer, cardiovascular disease, and suicide.
The analysis also revealed that women with a higher BMI at 18 consumed more alcohol, smoked more and were less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity during adolescence.
A co-author of the study said the study findings showed the significant impact of adolescent obesity on adult life and underscored “the importance of efforts to prevent excessive weight gain in children, not only to prevent obesity but also to prevent moderate overweight”.
Commenting on the study, another public health scientist said the research highlighted the need for a range of weight control strategies in different settings, namely:
• parents should limit access to energy dense foods and control television-watching time;
• doctors should promote breastfeeding, reduced soft drink intake, reduced television time, and increased physical activity;
• schools should commit to physical education and provide nutritionally sound choices for canteens and cafeterias; and
• communities should increase access to recreational facilities.
References:
Booth M, Okely AD, Denney-Wilson E, Hardy L, Yang B, Dobbins T (2006). NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) 2004; Full Report. Sydney. NSW Department of Health
Dietz WH (2006) What constitutes successful weight management in adolescents? Annals of Internal Medicine 145: 145-146.
van Dam RM, Willett WC, Manson JE, Hu FB (2006) The relationship between overweight in adolescence and premature death in women. Annals of Internal Medicine 145: 91-97.
Related reading:
Lean Teens Set For Healthier Future
School Sport a Lifetime Habit
Lazy Summer Days Hurt Teens
Disease Risk for Unfit Teens
