Childhood Obesity Has Reached Epidemic Proportions

Childhood Obesity Leads to Nearly 400,000 Premature Deaths Per Year Estimated $147 Billion in Added Health Care Costs Annually

“The obesity statistics are staggering,” according to Karen Seligman, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s and Women’s Physicians of Westchester (CWPW). “Obesity leads to nearly 400,000 premature deaths and an estimated $147 billion in added health care costs annually. While childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and is front-of-mind from the White House to schoolhouses across the country, much progress needs to be made to quell the trend.”

Pediatric obesity isn’t just an issue for the child or his or her family; it’s an epidemic that weighs heavily on society as a whole. Dr. Seligman knows the costs of an unhealthy lifestyle in children, and is working to help families to reverse negative habits while putting the accent on healthy life choices. She directs the Preventive Cardiology Program for CWPW and for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center.

For Dr. Seligman, smart diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are critical preventive tools in warding off heart disease. Rarely, medication is also needed as part of the recommended treatment.

“Children generally don’t get coronary heart disease,” Dr. Seligman says, “but that’s exactly what we’re trying to prevent them from getting later in life.” They do get atherosclerosis, however, and can develop hypertension, or high blood pressure, she says. Other “major worries” associated with obesity, Dr. Seligman adds, include type II diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, orthopaedic problems, and endocrine disorders.

“Children’s lifestyles can set them up for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Seligman says, noting that information has to be directed at children as well as adults. “Children need to read and understand food labels and ingredients,” she insists. “They should know that partially hydrogenated oils are not healthy.”

In her practice, Dr. Seligman calculates a child’s Body Mass Index, or BMI, as a gauge of optimal health. “A lot of children don’t necessarily look overweight,” she says, “but if the BMI is off the charts, it’s important to make changes.” Dr. Seligman assesses and provides counseling for children with high cholesterol, and offers extended sessions to explore patients’ attitudes and habits “and present it in a factual and nonjudgmental manner.” She works with other CWPW specialists, including nephrologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, and dieticians to diagnose children and put them on a healthy regimen of diet and exercise. “We have access to each other’s diagnoses and tests, resulting in complete, coordinated care. Sometimes more specialized treatment from one of our collaborating physicians is necessary.”

For parents, Dr. Seligman stresses that good habits need to be instilled early. “It only gets harder down the road,” she says. This includes attention to eating “real food” as opposed to processed food, portion control, and exercise. “It’s a family issue; learn to appreciate the benefits of real food, and turn away from packages with 100 ingredients,” she advises.

Parents concerned about their child’s weight, nutrition, activity or overall lifestyle should initially consult their pediatrician for guidelines on adopting healthier eating and a viable exercise regimen and then decide with the pediatrician whether consultation with her or any of the CWPW specialists in this important healthcare area is required.