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Obesity has become a
global epidemic and its prevalence is growing rapidly. What is startling
is the increase in
 overweight
children. In the UK the incidence of obesity
doubled. The 1995 figures show an increase, that suggests by the
year 2005
one in four female and one in five male adults will be clinically obese. Already half the adult
population is classified as overweight.
In Germany, the Institute of Health Economics Medicine and Society
reported the direct cost of obesity itself is
estimated to be about 8.6 to
11.5 billion DM. Those figures do not include indirect costs, which
otherwise would
multiply still further. This is a startling statistic.
Monitoring changes in body composition during growth and development of a
child is important. This can help identify their body
fat levels. Studies
have shown fatter children are most likely to be obese as adults and at
greater health risk. As children grow
and develop the density of Fat Free
Body changes due to the decrease in Total Body Water and increase in bone
mineral.
Regular monitoring of body composition with Maltron Body Composition
Analyser of school children and the parent will enable
health and physical
educators to better advise on how to achieve and maintain healthy body fat
levels throughout the education
period of children and into adulthood
(E.g. healthy eating and physical activity)
Tracking changes in body composition and body fats due to maturation
should be addressed to enable the children, especially
girls, better
understanding that these changes are normal during puberty. Incorporating
the study of body composition into the
physical education curriculum is
one approach to readdress the national statistics of health risks
associated with overweight
and obesity in children and parents.
The implementation of Maltron Body Composition monitoring within the
education system for children and their parents can be
executed without
any major investment. However, before the implementation simple guidelines
should be drawn so as not to
expose children to any ridicule.
Consent should be obtained from parents before any assessments. Explain to the parents and children the purpose and
procedures of the assessment so that they may have a better understanding. Full records should also be
maintained of
measurements to
build a profile over time so that the
changes on body composition resulting due to growth, diet,
maturation and
physical activity
can be monitored. Maintain information under strict
confidentiality.
The method of assessment used by Maltron Analysers are non-invasive,
non-intrusive, no undressing is required. All methods
for the assessment
of body composition are an estimation. However some provide better results
than others. Maltron Body
Composition Analysers are one such example.
The information provided is for general purpose and should not be
construed as definite and binding advice. We strongly
recommend readers
should seek professional advice for specific information before embarking
on any treatment. |
