Obesity

Obesity is a national epidemic. It is estimated that at least one of every four individuals in the United States is obese. Though not technically a disability, obesity is associated with conditions that are directly related to disability.

	Obesity is defined as the presence of an abnormally large amount of body fat or adipose tissue. An individual who is obese is considered to be 20% or more above his/her ideal body weight.
	Overweight is defined as body weight above an established standard which is related to height. An individual who is overweight is considered to be 10% or more above his/her ideal weight.

The most common reason for being overweight is that the individual's food and caloric consumption is greater than energy expenditure. It has been estimated that 10% or more of school-aged children are considered overweight.

CAUSES FOR OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

Caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure

Significant inactivity (particularly associated with TV and videogame use)

Genetic predisposition (Prader-Willi Syndrome)

Metabolic disturbances

Endocrine dysfunction (specifically the pituitary and thyroid function)

Emotional disturbance

TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OBESE

Poor self-concept

Immature social and emotional behaviors

Heightened sensitivity to criticism

Motor awkwardness

Prefers solitary and sedentary activities

TREATMENT AND PROGRAMMING FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OBESE

Create an environment that will enable the individual to have successful experiences in a compatible, supportive social group.

Allow individuals to have privacy when dressing.

Develop an individualized regularly scheduled progressive, low-impact, aerobic exercise program (walking, aquarobics, stationary cycling)

Monitor any type of strenuous physical activity.

Avoid activities that involve quick movements or sudden stops which might damage the knee and ankle joints.

Implement a lifestyle management program that includes increasing activity, decreasing calorie intake, and reducing stress. Components of such a program include:

Counting calories

Calculating energy expenditure

Cutting down on the amount of food consumed

Setting short-term goals

Provide frequent feedback about progress and give social reinforcement when weight loss occurs

Seeking medical attention if the problem is because of glandular dysfunction

Seeking counseling advice when emotional causes are the problem

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OBESE

Walking

Bicycling

Swimming

Water aerobics

Most individuals who are obese/overweight in childhood continue to be obese/overweight in adulthood. Active lifestyles and sound nutrition practices should be initiated in the home. Parents need to serve as role models so that individuals will develop and continue a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.

Links

American Obesity Association

Information Sheet Home

Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997; Huettig, 1999).

Obesity is defined as the presence of an abnormally large amount of body fat or adipose tissue. An individual who is obese is considered to be 20% or more above his/her ideal body weight.

Overweight is defined as body weight above an established standard which is related to height. An individual who is overweight is considered to be 10% or more above his/her ideal weight.

The most common reason for being overweight is that the individual's food and caloric consumption is greater than energy expenditure. It has been estimated that 10% or more of school-aged children are considered overweight.

CAUSES FOR OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY