Childhood Obesity Research Paper

Childhood obesity is a huge problem facing America today. It’s like an epidemic, spreading across America at alarming rates. Just in the past 30 years, childhood obesity rates have more than doubled among children and quadrupled among adolescents. Today, it has been estimated that one in every six children or adolescents is obese ("Childhood Obesity Facts”). And if things don’t change soon, those numbers will just keep rising. This isn’t a problem that we can leave up to children to deal with themselves. Parents and adults need to take responsibilities for children’s health and futures. Children or adolescents who have a body mass index of over 30 are considered to be obese. Too much body fat can lead to many negative

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. Not only is it one that impacts millions of adults, it also impacts children. Studies show that close to 40% of Americans are obese and 20% of children are obese as well. The best way to focus on changing the narrative is through being the change you want to see. Start with your family. Healthy eating, adequate amounts of rest and lots of water are some of the most important parts of the journey to health. Furthermore, it's really essential to begin a habit of consistent exercise. Consider these four options for exercise and enjoy them with the whole family.

They aim to eliminate the childhood obesity epidemic by working with policy makers, clinical improvement professionals, and healthcare professionals to ensure every child has access to high-quality care through a medical home. Even as early as conception, parents, healthcare providers and leaders can take steps during prenatal care to keep children fit and on track for a healthy future. It is organizations like these that we need. More involvement will create a wide spread and influence more people to commit towards fighting against obesity validating its importance.

Childhood obesity has not only been a problem for children, but for adult as well. Childhood obesity is not as big as the adult percentage of obesity, but it is a problem as well. The percentage of childhood obesity has changed in the last thirty years. The percentage of children ages 6-11 has changed from about 7% to about 18% in about 35 years. The percentage of children ages 12- 19 has changed from 5% to about 21% in the same amount of time. About one third of America’s children suffer with childhood obesity since 2012. Male children are shown to have a higher percentage of being obese than female. The male children percentage is about 18% while the percentage of female children are about 16%.

Childhood obesity is a greatest public health concern in our nation because it has an immediate and long-term effect on morbidity and mortality later in life. Experts in this epidemic suggest that there is an immediate need for an action and leadership that is required to intervene this disease (Reilly, Methven, McDowell, Hacking, Alexander, Stewart, & Kelnar, 2003). According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 2011 and

Childhood obesity has quickly became one of the biggest health issues in America. Without correctly addressing the source of this problem, it will not be solved. It is important that America begins to categorize this issue like it is, as child abuse. The government should intervene in incidents where childhood obesity becomes an issue because it can cause long term health consequences, economic financial costs, and early depression. An important factor in finding the solution is to know that the nation has not always suffered from this epidemic.

Since 1980 the rates of child obesity have more than tripled which has caused a growing pandemic of childhood obesity in the United States. Out of all the young children and adolescents within the age group of two through nineteen about 12.7 million are obese. That is the equivalent of about 17% of America’s population that is suffering from childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is too prevalent in all American households. Childhood obesity is detrimental on a national scale, since it has been growing at a steady rate in the United States of children not reaching the daily-recommended physical activity, the absence of a balanced diet with overconsumption of eating, and more critically the increase of type 2 diabetes.

In addition, Childhood Obesity has long-term effects, here are some. When a child is obese and has health problems at a young age there’s many possibilities he or she will grow up and be obese. When this happens they could suffer heart diseases, strokes, several types of cancer ( breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix and prostate) , and osteoarthritis. In a few words Childhood Obesity will lead to many other diseases within

With the recently documented increases in prevalence’s dating as late back as to 1980, pediatric obesity now represents one of the most pressing nutritional problems facing children in the United States today. International population studies report comparable rates of increase, so that if current trends remain unchecked, childhood obesity is likely to challenge worldwide public health. Substantial consequences to physical and mental health, both short and long term, must be anticipated.

California is one of only a few states that have reported a minimal decrease in childhood obesity rates, possibly resulting from comprehensive action taken to address the epidemic (Ogden et al. 2014). Although the state is meeting the Healthy People 2020 targets, a large percentage (25.4%) of California adults and adolescents (15.8%) are still obese (Ogden et al. 2014). The worst part of all these statistics is that obesity rates among low-income children 2 to 4 years old (17.2%) and 5 to 19 years old (23.3%) exceed the targets (Ogden et al. 2014). Only one county in California has an obesity rate among low-income preschool-age children that meets the national Healthy People 2020 target of 9.6% and no

The continued concern over childhood obesity is a major topic across the United States and continues to be a newsworthy topic. The Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy published a study that looked at the associations between a family's income in comparison to the physical fitness and obesity of children in California schools between 2010 through 2012. (Jin Y., Jones-Smith JC., 2012)

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic. More than twenty three million children and teenagers are obese in the United States alone. Childhood obesity already costs fourteen billion dollars annually in health care expenses. Children who are obese are at a higher risk for heart, liver diseases and diabetes. They are also more likely to have bone and joint issues later in life. Most young children who are obese will grow up to continue their behaviors and become obese adults. The next generation is at risk of a greater amount of health problems and a shorter life span (Childhood Obesity Facts).

Childhood obesity is about more than just the physical hindrances (health risks, physical appearances, and so on). A lot of people only think of the physical effects of obesity and not the emotional or mental effects. Obesity during adolescence can have a harmful effect on the mind in a variety of ways. Childhood obesity may lead to low self-esteem, troubles with social functioning, and cognitive delays.

Childhood obesity has now reached an epidemic in several parts of the United States. As a result, children now have a higher risk to have numerous chronic and acute medical problems. Several of the long-lasting medical problems a child might face as a result of obesity could eventually result in death. In addition to chronic medical problems, childhood obesity has severe psychosocial effects on an individual such as low self-esteem and depression. Childhood obesity is a serious problem that is caused by a numerous amount of factors that can eventually lead to severe health complications.

Childhood obesity is a condition which a child is overweight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity is important because it can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity does not really have any symptoms besides weight that is above normal for children’s age. The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing over the past years. (www.ncbi.gov) It is usually caused by calories intake and what is utilized. Some factors of childhood obesity that are genetic, behavioral, and environmental are causing obesity. Childhood obesity is important because today, one out of four children in developed countries are overweight or obese. The extra weight puts children at risk for developing serious health problems; including diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. (www.helpguide.org) Childhood obesity is a health problem because it suffers from lack of physical health and children become targets due to early social discrimination. This issue can lead to academic functioning as years goes on.