The prevalence of obesity in children has increased globally (World Health Organisation, 1997). It has thus become alarming as children with such conditions are at higher risk of developing health issues in the instantaneous, short or long term. The immediate health issue of obesity may result in social segregation and possible mental dysfunction (Friedman, Story and Perry, 1995; Must, 1996; Must and Strauss, 1999). Children who are overweight can be described by their peer group as being lazy or ugly (Staffieri, 1967). They may also experience bullying by their friends as a result of being overweight (Stunkard and Burt, 1967). However, this research will be focusing on the detrimental effect and management of childhood obesity in addition …show more content…
As at 2004, it was observed from a healthy survey that 14% of children between 2-11 years and 25% of 11-25 years old were obese in England, while in the USA, the prevalence of childhood obesity is observed to be higher in most minority ethnic group (fix the reference here). Additionally, excess obesity is also seen to occur in other ethnic group like South Asia, as they are more likely to be sensitive in having excess weight gain. Clearly, Obesity can be a crucial key factor in developing medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Thus, from public health view point, obesity is seen as a crucial health …show more content…
There are huge ranges of environmental factors that could potentially increase weight gain and the possibility of becoming obese (Booth et al., 2001; French, Story and Jeffery, 2001). These environmental influences must be arbitrated by individual’s eating and physical activity behaviour (energy intake and expenditure) (Crawford and Ball, 2002). These behaviours are critically paramount as they form the interface between human biology and the environment which the populations are exposed to (Crawford and Ball, 2002).
Furthermore, childhood obesity development may be understood through knowledge of eating habit, physical activity and behavioural pattern (Law, 2001). From epidemiology perspectives, these behaviours should be focusing on the causations, rather than the health condition or illness (Mason and Powell, 1985). In addition there should be an examination of their psychosocial and social ecological antecedents (Raymond,
In the past three decades, rates of childhood obesity have increased precipitously. Between the years and 1980 and 2000, the prevalence of obesity has increased from 6.5% to 19.6% among 6 to 11 year old children and 5.0% to 18.1% among 12 to 19 year old adolescents x(National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2010). This condition is accompanied by many physical and psychological consequences for these children. There are two common postions in the debate about the causes of this condition. One belief of the cause of childhood obesity is that it is a question of “personal responsibility” or in the case of children, of “parental responsibility.” That is, increasing rates of obesity are due to
The number is alarming with one in five children also believed to be overweight or obese before they start primary school. Childhood obesity is a terrifying issue with many studies showing that childhood obesity is linked to obesity in adolescence and through to adulthood. It has been demonstrated that children with obese parents are more likely to obese themselves, continuing a vicious cycle. These children are presented with many complex health issues and risks, including a reduced quality of life. Every child deserves and has the right to a healthy life that they can get them most out of. These obese and overweight children deal with an increased risk of ?CVD?, they often experience asthma and/or wheezing and are continually presented with mental health risks due to poor self esteem, body image or
Introduction: In 1998 the World Health Organization announced that obesity had become an epidemic in both adults and children. This epidemic is a major concern in public health yet many countries are failing to address the issue. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes contributing to this increasing epidemic of childhood obesity. There are many causes that factor into childhood obesity but I will focus specifically on genetics, overeating, and the lack of exercise.
What does childhood obesity means? Obesity can be defined as a condition in which the body carries abnormal or unhealthy amounts of fat tissue, leading the individual to weigh in excess or 20 percent more than his or her ideal weight (Health & Illness).Obesity in America is an ever-growing problem and has boosted America to the number one spot in terms of obese population. It also stands as the most prevalent medical issue in American Children. In the past thirty years, obesity has affected many different age groups of kids. Preschool group, two to five years in age, and the youths between the ages of twelve and nineteen the obesity rate has more than doubled (Childhood Obesity Statistics and Facts 2v007). Childhood obesity has more than tripled in kid’s ages six to eleven years old. Children can become obese due to many different things like parents or schools. Although obesity may linger for a lifetime, there are many ways to overcome childhood obesity and not have to deal with the weight issue. Childhood obesity causes many problems and concerns in many American families, but families need to work together to overcome obesity. One out of three children in the United States falls into the overweight or obese category (Ding). Children face many different problems and issues at a young age because of obesity. Children obesity causes type 2 diabetes, fatty liver because of excessive weight issues, social problems, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders (Ludwig). Childhood
Overweight and obesity, an excessive accumulation of body fat, is one of the major public health challenge in the 21st century, affecting one in every six people worldwide (World Health Organization, 2013a). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimation, globally over 42 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2010 (WHO, 2011). A recent study estimated that the worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children aged 2-5 years increased from 4.2% to 6.7% within two decades and is expected to reach 12.7% by 2020 (de Onis et al., 2010). The results of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicated that in the United State (US) obesity among pre-school children increased from 5% to 10.4% between 1976-1980 and 2007-2008 respectively. In addition, about 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years were obese in the US in 2007-2008 (Pan et al., 2012). A recent study by Grow et al. (2010) found that obesity was mostly prevalent among poor or minority groups with low socioeconomic status residing in disadvantaged areas in the US.
Obesity is measured using the Body Mass Index formula, this calculates the body fat by dividing body weight in kilograms to determine if an individual is a healthy weight range for their height (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2004). Childhood obesity can occur from eating large amounts of unhealthy and high energy dense food and drink or a lack of physical activity or a combination of both, is then stored as fat as they are not burning enough energy, other contributing factors to weight gain include a child’s race, ethnicity, socio-economic barriers, environmental influences, the lack of parental health knowledge and guidance and genetics (Berkowitz and Borchard, 2009). Obesity has a strong genetic
There have been studies conducted to find out what has caused or what the leading factors to obesity are. Researchers are currently still doing research to find out what causes or what may be the lead to obesity. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition which considers a child to be obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. (Rendall., Weden, Lau, Brownell, Nazarov & Fernandes, 2014). Obesity is on a rise in the Unites States and all over the world and can lead or result to other health complications later in life. The crucial breakdown serves as an implication of outlining childhood obesity, collaborating problems of the disease and resolutions, as well as applying critical thinking to give a complete approach to deliver information on childhood obesity. This will be done through citation of scholarly articles, samples and other modes of supporting details.
This increased prevalence of childhood obesity has correlated with a rise in serious health concerns, once only seen in adults including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma (Freedman, Srinivansan, Berenson, Dietz, 2007; Whitloc, Williams, Gold, Smith, Shipman, 2005; Han, Lawlor, Kimm, 2010). Additionally children who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for being bullied, experiencing psychological distress, mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and low self -esteem (Halfon, Larson, Slusser, 2013). Furthermore, obesity in childhood is a strong predictor of adulthood obesity and therefore a precursor to more serious health consequence throughout the lifespan (Halfon et. al, 2013).
Childhood obesity is becoming more of a medical concern everyday. With obesity rates up almost 10% since the 1970’s and it being the second leading cause of death in the United States it is becoming a problem that has lifelong consequence (Johnson 1 ). The cause of childhood obesity is more than just genetics, it is what influences the child from family and friends to the social aspect such as television. Although this is becoming an epidemic in the United States, there is still hope for a better future. Childhood obesity can be influenced by social factors and lead to severe medical issues but can be aided with the help of a lifestyle change.
Thesis Statement: While there are numerous variables of childhood obesity, the two fundamental causes are eating an excessive amount and exercising too little.
During the last 30 years, society has witnessed the alarming rate at which childhood obesity has grown. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. It affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood (“What is Childhood Obesity”). It causes not only physical medical issues, but psychological issues as well. Yet, it seems to be accepted by society as the new norm. However, the negative effects of such disease may last a lifetime and it should not be taken lightly. Obese children are at risk for developing a range of serious physical and mental health problems in the short and long term (Mahoney and Lord)
Childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be resolved. Many people may say it is the Child’s fault, he is weak willed. This is just a common misconception; there are hundreds of different reasons for childhood obesity. I will just be scratching the surface of this paper. By the same token childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be resolved. We can achieve this by understanding some common misconceptions, understanding health problems, and understanding fitness.
Obesity reduces a child’s opportunities to engage meaningfully in desired activities at home and in school, especially social participation and play (Kuczmarski, Reitz, & Pizzi, 2010). According to World Health Organization, when a child is obese or overweight, their quality of life is significantly affected. They are the one that are at greatest risk of teasing, bullying and social isolation (WHO, 2012, p.11). According to Mcnealus (2015), obesity is also seen in children with special needs and the rate of overweight children is on the rise in this country.
A child is defined as affected by obesity if their body mass index (BMI) for their age percentile is greater than 95% and a child is defined as overweight if their BMI for their age percentile is greater than 85% and less than 95%, this is identified on the BMI for age percentile chart (Raj & Kumar, 2012). The World Health Organization (WHO) regards childhood obesity as one of the most serious global public health challenge for the 21st century (WHO, 2016). Globally, in 2013 the number of obese children under 5 years of age was estimated to be over 42 million, nearly 31 million of these are living in developing countries (WHO, 2016). Obese children and adolescents are at an increased risk of developing various health problems and have a higher risk of becoming obese adults (Public Health England, 2016). Prevention of childhood obesity needs to be high priority, these obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood therefore are at risk of developing non-communicable
According to the American Heart Association as of 2016, “Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity in children more than tripled from 1971 to 2011”. Obesity is the biggest health concern in the United States, and can cause high blood pressure, type two diabetes and high cholesterol. Often when a child is overweight or obese it lowers their self-esteem, body image and it raises their depression levels. In the school system when a child is overweight, bigger than the others, they are more than likely the bully or the victim of bulling.