Overweight Children and Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) has been most commonly associated with adults. However, the phenomenon increasingly affects overweight children.

“Something has to be done to help our children. Half of Americans are overweight, and, based on the number of overweight children, the number of obese and overweight adults is going to drastically increase,” said Dr. Robert I. Berkowitz, a child psychologist who focuses on weight disorders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that in the preliminary results for 1999, 13 percent of American children ages 6–11 years are overweight, a number higher than the 11 percent appearing in the survey conducted in 1988 and 1994.

“That translates into more than 5 million children and teenagers,” said Berkowitz.

Long-term studies show that comprehensive family-based behavioral programs for children are most effective in reducing obesity. Successful programs required both children and parents to modify their nutritional intake and rate of physical activity. For instance, experts warn against overloading a child’s plate and favoring sedentary activities, such as watching television and playing video games.

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