Health Issues: Nutrition and Obesity

An article published in the New York Times entitled “Child Obesity Risks Death at Early Age” described a study that tracked children through their lifetimes into adulthood. Results from the study indicated that those children who were most overweight were more than twice as likely to die before the age of 55 as their counterparts of a normal weight due to illness or by their own hand. In the study, obesity was reported to be the primary factor in premature death.

Those in the study who were diagnosed with a condition known as pre-diabetes as well as high blood pressure also elevated the likelihood of premature death. It should be noted that obesity also elevates the occurrence of diabetes and diabetes related diseases as well as high blood pressure.  Of the 4,857 children in the study who were born between the years 1945-1984- 559 were dead by 2003. Of this number 166 died from other causes not related to weight.

Adults with the highest BMI (Body Mass Index) as children were 2.3 times more likely to die prematurely than those with BMI’s in the normal range. Those in the study with the highest glucose levels were 73% more likely to die at an earlier age than their counterparts with lower glucose levels.  Helen Locker; senior author of the research paper states: “This suggests that obesity in children…may have very serious long term health effects through midlife- that there is something very serious being set in motion by obesity at early ages.”

As studies have continuously shown us, overweight and obesity cause detrimental effects on health and quality of life. As this study indicates not only is the quality of life compromised by an unhealthy body weight, but the life span its self is shortened. Obese and overweight children run the risk of a life marred by medical problems with the increased possibility of dying from excess weight before they reach retirement age.  This is an issue that is entirely preventable with a healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity.  A lifestyle that encompasses these types of health habits not only increases longevity, it also provides an improved quality of life. Incorporating foods like Popcake that are low fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains coupled with regular exercise promotes a long, healthy life.

Nutrition: Diabetes

by: Leah Rampolla

The following data was obtained from the CDC’s 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet.  According to 2007 statistics, 23.6 million or 7.8% of people of all ages were diagnosed with diabetes.  Diagnosed cases accounted for 17.9 million while undiagnosed cases of diabetes totaled 5.7 million.   23.5 million of 10.7% of adults age twenty and older were diagnosed with diabetes while 12.2 million of 23.1% of adults age 60 and older were diagnosed.  Men and women age twenty and older had a comparative diagnoses rate of 12 million or 11.2% and 11.5 million or 10.2% respectively.  In this age group 1.6 million cases are diagnosed annually.

Approximately 186,300 people younger than twenty are diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes annually.  New cases in this demographic are 19 per 100,000 for type 1 diabetes and 5.3 per 100,000 are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

In 2006, diabetes was ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.  Diabetes was attributed to 72,507 deaths in 2006. In 2005 diabetes claimed 233,619 lives.  Death is twice as likely to occur with a diabetic then a non diabetic of approximately the same age.  A more exact estimate of deaths linked to diabetes is difficult to obtain because diabetes is often underreported as a cause of death.  Diabetes is listed as the primary cause of death on a death certificate only 35-40% of the time and is listed as an underlying cause of death 10-15% of the time.

Many other medical complications are common in diabetics. In 2004 heart disease was noted on 68% of death certificates of diabetics age 65 and older.  Stroke was recorded on 16% of death certificates of diabetics age 65 and older in 2004. Adult diabetics are two to four times more likely to have heart disease and strokes.  In 2003-2004 75% of adults with self reported diabetes also had high blood pressure levels, also known as hypertension, or were currently taking blood pressure medications.

Numerous studies have shown that diet has a significant impact on the likelihood of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The increase of children being diagnosed with a disease that was historically found in adults demonstrates the need for children to be educated about healthy food choices. Foods like Popcake pancakes are low calorie and 97% fat free. Foods like Popcake pancakes can be incorporated into a diet that promotes good health and well being and may aid in the prevention of the development of some diseases like type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Childhood Obesity

By. Leah Rampolla

The following information was obtained from Georgetown University’ website in an article entitled: Childhood Obesity: Life Long Threat to Health. Statistics from NHIS (National Health Interview Survey) and MEPS (Medical Expenditure Panel Survey) have indicated that 14 million children; 24% of the U.S. population ages 2-17 are obese and an additional 8.6 million children are at risk for obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for 4 of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States: coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Obesity and physical inactivity account for more than 300,000 premature deaths annually.

Sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity may be risk factors for obesity in youth. Two factors that have contributed to the decline of physical activity of youth are: a greater reliance on television and computers for entertainment as well as decreased participation in physical education classes in school. Over one quarter; 26% of 8-16 year olds watch more than 4 hours of television on a daily basis. 43% of high school students watch more than 2 hours of television on school days. The number of high school students who participated in gym class decreased from 46% in 1991 to 29% in 1999.

Older children are more at risk for obesity which is why the number of high school students who do not participate in gym class is of particular concern. 17% of 6-17 year olds are at risk for obesity while 10% of children under the age of 6 are at risk. Obesity is detrimental to quality of life and is a risk factor for premature death.

In addition to children’s health and quality of life, obesity has a negative impact on America’s health care system. 70% of total health care expenditures for obese children are financed by Medicaid and private insurance while 26% of healthcare costs for obese children are paid out of pocket. This is a significant issue for low income families where obesity is most prevalent. Medicaid provides health insurance for over 4 million obese children. 1/3 or 30% of obese children are covered under Medicaid compared to 18% of non obese children.

It is important that obesity in children be addressed at an early age. Obese children under the age of three are generally low risk for adult obesity, but more than half of obese children over 6 are obese adults.  Obese children ages 12-17 are 70-80% likely to be obese adults.  In addition to health risks, the quality of life is also affected. Obese children ages 12-17 that are unhappy often have long term consequences for their emotional and mental well being as adults.

Obesity and overweight may soon cause as much preventable disease and death as cigarette smoking. 430,000 people die annually from tobacco related conditions; 300,000 people die annually, 1,200 daily from illnesses related to obesity or overweight.  According to the National Institute of Health, weight loss of 15 pounds could reduce the risk of diabetes by 58% in those close to developing the disease.  Increasing physical activity among more than 88 million inactive Americans over the age of 15 could reduce annual health care costs by as much as $77 billion.

This suggests that minimal lifestyle changes perpetuate significant improvements in one’s health. Exercising more and eating less can promote lifelong good health, improve quality of life, and help prevent disease.  Eating more of the right foods is also an important part in promoting and maintaining good health. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and Popcake pancakes that are low calorie, low fat, and low cholesterol are one of many easy choices that can be made to live a long, healthy, and happy life.