childhood obesity

CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION

Childhood Obesity: The Causes, Effects, and Prevention Kate T. Dean Dabney S. Lancaster Community College

1


2

Abstract This report shows childhood obesity is becoming a problem in the country, and it has far reaching negative effects on a child‟s well-being, including physical and psychological issues. Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and g enetics are three main causes of obesity. Emphasis on exercise and positive eating habits is very important in stopping the growth of childhood obesity. An obese child is much more likely to have illnesses such as kidney k idney disease and hypertension, than a normal weight child. Depression and low self-esteem are major problems that not only come from being obese, but can also be compound the problem, making a child even more prone to becoming obese. By following a daily exercise routine and implementing proper nutrition, obesity can be controlled and the quality of life can be improved.


3

Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is not only a growing issue in the United States, it is bec oming a crisis. The number of obese children in America has increased exponentially in the past years, and unless action is taken, there is not much hope of slowing it down. Obesity puts children at a high risk of developing serious illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Despite the many obstacles, following a balanced diet and participating in physical exercise, a reduction in the number of cases can be achieved. There are many causes and negative effects of obesity during childhood, but fortunately there are also ways to prevent spread of this crisis. Causes

Children are considered obese if they have a body mass index greater than or th

equal to the 95 percentile for their age. There are many man y causes, but the main cause of children being at or above this percentile is lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Television, computers, and video games, which are now considered by society to be necessities, lessen the importance of exercise. A fast-food craze seems to be sweeping over the country, leaving a trail of poor poo r nutrition in its wake. Fast-food companies encourage children to eat unhealthy food b y offering them toys in the purchase the purchase of a child‟s meal. When When unhealthy foods are consumed along with little or no exercise, obesity is usually the result. Research shows that onethird of U.S. children between ages four and nineteen eat fast food every day, which results in a weight gain of about six extra pounds each year, per child. (Mayo Foundation, 2008) Fast food consumption has increased five-hundred percent among children since 1970. Because unhealthy foods are abundant and readily available, children are prone to


4

becoming overweight when a sufficient amount of exercise is not balanced with their eating habits. Lack of Exercise

In the United States, the average child spends three hours daily watching television. This is wasted time that could be spent participating in physical activities such as playing a sport or riding a bike. Mental Health

Emotional issues can also be a cause of childhood obesity as well. Children raised in low-income environments have a greater risk o f becoming obese. Poverty can inhibit parents from being able to provide their children with proper nutritional foods and exercise because of the lack of time and money. Genetic Factors of Obesity

Genetics can also be to blame b lame for obesity in children because metabolic disorders can be inherited. If one parent of a child is obese, the child has a fifty percent chance of being obese; the chances go up by thirty percent if both parents are obese. Although genetics can play a part, it is more likely to be the lifestyle a child will inherit. (NCCD, 2008) They eat the same food, and follow the parents‟ parents‟ level of activity. Obesity cannot be inherited, but the disorders that result in obesity can. Hormone imbalances, steroids, and psychological medication can cause childhood obesity, but the occurrence is rare. There are many causes of childhood obesity, and with these causes come a great deal of negative effects.


5

Effects Mental Effects

Obese children suffer from unhealthy weights, but also deal with other mental, emotional and physical problems. In most cases, ob ese children are often depressed or have a low self-esteem (Kristen Long, 2013). Ob ese children are often targeted by bullies. Bullying and social emphasis on appearance can result in the low self-esteem of an obese child, which can lead to depression. Research shows obesity in children can cause individuals to have trouble with developing d eveloping social skills. These children tend to be insecure about their appearance, which can make going to school and interacting with their peers difficult for them. An obese child that suffers from stress and an xiety usually has trouble learning (Lucy J. Griffiths, Carol Dezateux, Andrew Hill, 2011) Obesity can be detrimental to a child‟s future. Physical Effects

Type two diabetes, asthma, stroke, and kidne y disease, to name a few, are illnesses that obese children are at a high risk for developing. These effects are serious physical issues that will likely follow follow into adulthood. However, obesity can have a much worse effect, death. Close to 300,000 people in the U.S. die each year from health related problems brought on by obesity. This is an overwhelmingly high number (Mayo clinic, 2008). Prevention of Obesity Nutrition

In the process of preventing childhood obesity, a healthy diet, along with an appropriate intake of calories, is very important. Th e food guide pyramid is an important


6

tool when balancing a healthy he althy diet. It is important that children be familiar with nutritional tools like the pyramid in order to realize the importance of a healthy diet. (Amy van Grieken, Carry M. Renders, Anne I. Wijtzes, Remy A. Hirasing, Hein Raat, 2013) Exercise

Exercise is a vital part in prevention of obesit y. To make exercise fun for a child instead of a chore, parents are encouraged en couraged to participate in the activity as well. Exercising as a family gives a child more incentive to be active. When parents set good examples of healthy eating decisions and physical activity, their children‟s health can be influenced in a positive way. Setting Limits

Time spent using the computer or watching telev ision should be limited to less than two hours each day. da y. It is easier to control the amount of snacking that takes place when time spent on the computer co mputer and time lounging on the couch is limited. Therefore it will increase the likelihood that the child will ex ercise rather then set inactive. It is so important that parents and children know how to prevent obesity, before it happens. Conclusion

Childhood obesity is a serious issue, and unfortunately, very common in the United States. The effects are detrimental, but there are ways to prevent the extent of this epidemic from growing. Simply by eating a balance of healthy foods and exercising daily, a child can reduce his or her risk of becoming obese.


7

References Kristin Long Long PhD. Pediatric obesity and mental health: Assessment and treatment. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter. Vol. 29, No. 7. July 2013. Pg. 3-6. Ebsco. May 29, 2014. Overweight, Obesity and Underweight is Associated with Adverse Psychosocial and Physical Health Outcomes among 7-Year 7-Year Old Children: The „Be Active, Eat Right‟ Study. PLOS ONE. Vol. 8. No. 6. June 25, 2013. Pg. 1-7. Ebsco. May 29, 2014. . Is Obesity Associated with Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children? From the Millennium Cohort Study. International Journal of Pediatric Obesity. 2011. E423-e432. Ebsco. May 29, 2014. “Childhood obesity” Healthy Youth National Center for Chronic Disease P revention and Health Promotion.

childhood obesity

Recommend Documents