Obesity in children and adults is defined as excessive accumulation of body fat. Usually obesity is measured in percentage of fat in total body weight. Obesity is present in boys when 25 percent of their total body weight is represented by fat and more than 32 percent in girls. Different techniques can be used to measure the percentage of body fat. Height for weight ratio and skinfold measure are the ones most widely used. With weight for height ratio everything in excess of 120 percent in considered obese.
Skinfold measure, besides from being most accurate, can be easily obtained in school or in doctor’s office by a trained technician. Areas measured in children and adolescents are the triceps, triceps and subscapular, triceps and calf, and calf alone. In occasions when triceps and calf are measured a sum of skinfolds of 10-25mm is considered optimal for boys, and 16-30mm is optimal for girls.
Obesity and weight treatment programs aimed at children and adolescents rarely concentrate on a weight loss as a primary goal. The goal for most of these programs is for child to “grow into” their own body. This process may take months and even years in some cases. It is estimated that for every 20 percent of body weight excess, child needs a year and a half of weight maintenance.
In cases where parents presuppose that child could be prone to weight issues, intervention is particularly valuable. Eating and exercise habits acquired during childhood follow person throughout its life. Forms of intervention include:
• Physical Activity – physical activity is vital to weight loss. Whether child is initiated into a formal exercise program or simply introduced to a new activity, it is important for a child to burn fat, increase energy expenditure, and maintain lost weight. Exercise by itself is not enough to maintain weight loss.
• Diet Management – balanced diet with moderate caloric restriction and especially reduced dietary program coupled with exercise is the most effective treatment for childhood obesity. Extreme diets and fasting is the most hazardous weight loss program in children. These methods are stressful, may adversely affect child’s growth and perception of normal eating. In some cases eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia may develop.
• Behavior Modification – behavior modification when used in treating childhood obesity must be used on parents as well. Modifying only child’s approach to food is not adequate. Strategies include self-monitoring and recording food intake and physical activity, slowing the rate of eating, limiting the time and place of eating, and using rewards and incentives for desirable behaviors. Problem solving exercises were proven to be especially helpful method. Groups of children who were in these studies significantly reduced weight and maintained reduced weight for six months. Problem solving training involved among other identifying possible weight-control problems and, as a group, discussing possible solutions.
• Drug Treatment- In 2006 European Commission approved the sale of Rimonabant a first of its kind appetite suppressant as obesity treatment. Rimonabant works by blocking endogenous cannabinoid binding to neuronal CB1 receptors. Inhabiting these receptors Rimonabant reduces appetite and as a result patient’s food intake decreases. Rimonabant is most advanced endocannabinoid receptor antagonist the market today and offers a novel therapeutic approach to appetite control and weight reduction.
Before using any medication or over the counter supplement, prior conversation with your doctor and pharmacist is advised. Seek immediate medical assistance, if you undergo any side effects for an extended phase of time or any other prolonged side effects.