The Link Between Childhood Obesity and Heart Disease

Obesity rates in the U.S. have steadily increased over the years, and this epidemic affects more than just adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 2007-08 study revealed that 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years old are obese. Obesity and overweight are linked to numerous chronic diseases – many of which can be underlying causes of a practitioner’s need to use skills learned in a pediatric advanced life support online course. Here are five facts anyone involved in pediatric care needs to know, as provided by the CDC website.

1. Overweight and obesity are determined through the BMI index. For children and adolescents, overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile; obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Unlike an adult’s, a child's weight status is determined using an age- and sex-specific percentile for BMI, because children’s body compositions vary as they age and there are differences between boys and girls.

2. Genetics, behavior and environment contribute to obesity. Many factors contribute to this complex condition. Studies have shown that genetic factors can make an individual more susceptible to becoming overweight or obese. An individual’s behavior also contributes; those who do not engage in physical activity and frequently engage in sedentary behavior are more likely to be overweight or obese. Environment is another important factor. The interactions children experience in their homes, schools and communities can affect how they behave and what they eat.

3. From the need to know pediatric advanced life support guidelines to a need to be skilled in advanced cardiac life support: individuals who are obese as children are more likely to become obese adults. One study showed that 80 percent of overweight children (ages 10-15 years) were obese by the age of 25. Another study showed that 25 percent of obese adults were overweight as children, and that those who were overweight before the age of 8 were more severely obese in adulthood.

4. Obese children and adolescents are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults.Obese children and adolescents are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type two diabetes, all of which are risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. In a study of children and adolescents ages 5 to 17, 70 percent of obese children had at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor, while 39 percent had two or more.

5. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. 631,636 people died of heart disease in 2006. In addition to being deadly, heart disease is also expensive; the U.S. spent approximately $316.4 billion on health care services, medications and lost productivity due to heart disease in 2010 alone. Obesity is reportedly the most common risk factor for heart disease in the U.S.

Health Ed Solutions’ Pediatric Advanced Life Support Online Courses

Medical professionals and first responders who work directly with children can learn how to respond to cardiovascular emergencies in a pediatric advanced life support course. Health Ed Solutions is the leading provider of certification and recertification for pediatric advanced life support online. HES’ pediatric life support online courses are geared toward healthcare professionals. Learn more about pediatric advanced life support guidelines and online PALS certification.