by Tara Beverly

The Minority Health Month lecture series, sponsored by the Center of Excellence for Multicultural Medicine and the Office of Student Affairs, last week hosted Nicholas Espinoza, D.O. (’90), who presented “Pediatric Obesity.” A large, enthusiastic crowd of medical students and staff gathered in Grosvenor 126 to learn more about this children’s health crisis.

Espinoza, who is very involved in his community, donates his time as a trustee member of Adelante Inc., a not-for-profit community agency. He is a Head Start program physician for the Texas Migrant Counsel and a member of Ringside Monitoring Physicians for the Toledo Golden Gloves. He also practices at Oakmont Medical Hospital, Bay Park Community Hospital, St. Charles Mercy Medical Hospital and St. Anne’s Hospital.

Espinoza, a CORE clinical professor and medical equity teacher, began his presentation by revealing some very startling statistics: 15 to 20 percent of Americans are currently overweight or obese; 54 percent of 6 to 11 year olds are overweight or obese; and 39 percent of 12 to 17 year olds are overweight or obese. Obesity can significantly shorten life spans.

“Obesity in young people is a national problem yet to be fully recognized,” said Espinoza. “This is especially true in minority populations. A lot of the patients I work with are minorities, and I see this problem a lot.”

For physicians, sometimes diagnosing children as obese is not uncomplicated, because children are still growing. There is, however, a strong correlation between childhood obesity and adult obesity.

“Socio-economic factors play a major role in pediatric obesity,” he said. Cultural background and race are also factors that can affect weight.

Many times poor or even middle-class working families can’t afford a steady diet of nutritious meals or don’t have the time in the evenings to prepare proper meals. This can lead to the over consumption of fast food and junk food.

“I am from a Puerto Rican family, and a lot of times we would have foods with high fat contents, fried greasy meats, cheeses and tortillas. It always tasted great, but eating it on a regular basis was definitely not healthy,” said Espinoza.

“It is a very difficult situation when unhealthy foods are a staple in a family’s culture. There has to be a balance,” he added.

“So often children are rewarded for ‘cleaning their plates,’ which might actually harm them. Parents need to work with their children to come up with a healthy dietary plan.”

“Studies have shown that many children who are obese do not consume more calories than their peers,” he said. "In many of cases, lack of exercise plays into childhood obesity.”

 There are other causes of pediatric obesity, including hormonal imbalances and genetic factors.

“There are many complications that come with pediatric obesity, which include: cardiovascular problems, orthopedic difficulties as well as psychological and psychiatric problems,” said Espinoza.

“Many children who are obese become severely depressed, because they are teased, ridiculed and put down by classmates and peers,” he added. “Mental health can be affected in a huge way.”

Espinoza discussed prevention and treatment for pediatric obesity. Setting attainable weight-loss goals that are reasonable is the first step into starting a healthier life. Dietary management, physical activity and behavior modifications are some steps used to meet these goals.

“Keeping a food record and increased physical activity are also great ways for obese children to become healthier,” he said.

“Education is also a very important tool to inform to people about what’s going on. A presentation, like the one I’m giving now, can help lay people understand and learn what a serious issue this is."

The lecture series will continue with Chau Pham, D.O. (’95), Friday, April 22. The last speaker will be former OU-COM Dean Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., Thursday, April 28. Both speakers will present from noon to 1 p.m. in Irvine 199.