People who are obese are more likely to have health problems such as: high blood pressure, raised cholesterol high insulin levels, impaired glucose tolerance, type two diabetes, heart attacks, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, kidney problems and polycystic ovary syndrome. Not all children will have these health problems but doctors are finding these problems in children and the children are getting younger. As a whole childhood obesity puts children in harm’s way and the future of America. And that is why the cycle must be reversed. We owe to the country and the kids who live
Children who live in a low income home are at a higher risk of obesity. The shortage of money that these families experience pushes them to engage activities like buying convenience foods, which usually contain high amount of sugar (AOC). Children with low income families do not have the money to play sports at schools, which is a problem because school sports have an enrollment fee. Another way the family’s economic status can affect childhood obesity is that parents with low incomes usually do not have much education; this makes them less likely to know about childhood obesity and so they ignore
Childhood obesity around the world, and particularly in the U.S., is an increasing problem that is extremely damaging as its’ effects carry on into adulthood. Childhood obesity is not to be taken lightly. Eating fast-foods high in calories, rich in fats and refined sugars can actually trick the body into craving the foods and therefore, become addicted. There are many contributing factors to childhood obesity and the health risks associated with being an obese child, but the link between eating fast food and child obesity is astonishing. Obesity in anyone can prove to be a life threatening condition, but calculating good eating habits, a healthy diet and proper exercise for our children can help prevent that child from becoming obese.
Like many other maladies, weight problems are often associated with social standing and economic well-being. Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more at risk in becoming obese than those of higher socio-economic. Similarly, kids in isolated communities, especially in inner cities are at greater risk than those who live in the mainstream/suburban geographic areas. Families in communities that are poorer or socially or geographically isolated have a relatively poor access to healthy food, and often remain unaware or unable to access facilities with that provide opportunities for increased physical activity. Historical trends in childhood obesity clearly show that the increase in obesity parallels increases in family poverty and community disruption.
The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%” (Childhood Obesity). To some it may not sound very serious, but children that are obese have a very large risk to suffer from many other health problems. “Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Also children and adolescents who are obese are also at a greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem”(Childhood Obesity). Not only does it put them at risk when they are younger, obese children also tend to become obese when they are adults, causing them to have the same, if not more serious health problems.
Childhood Obesity Parents are very much in denial when it comes to childhood obesity and how it relates to parent child relationships. There are many theories and reason why there is an increase in childhood obesity. One of those reasons is poor diets. More children have more access to unhealthy food with the increase in fast food restaurants. Also the lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle are causes for this epidemic.
Many countries are trying to do something to make their children’s life healthier by promoting healthy food and diets campaigns. Obesity is a worldwide disaster that ruins lives. Obesity is being fat or overweight and that affects their lives in negative ways. The primary reasons of obesity are actually parents; they’re the ones who decide what type of food their child eats and they specify the amount of food the child gets. However, the studies of the American academy of child and adolescent psychiatry showed that between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese.
Some people who are food insecure will overeat when food is available. Exercise is also another issue for those who live in poverty. The reason being is that a lot of people are unable to find the time to exercise as they would work extremely long hours just so they can get by. Even if the job requires a lot of physical labor doesn’t mean that it can keep them from becoming obese as their eating habits can help prevent them from being able to keep the weight off. Another factor is depression which those who live in poverty have a high chance of developing depression due to all the stress to make sure they make means meet.
However, there are several other causes of obesity. There are certain inherited conditions and other diseases of the brain that can cause excess weight gain. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone which slows metabolism and often causes weight gain. Some medications such as antidepressants, steroids, and oral contraceptives can also cause increased body weight (Net Doctor, 2011). Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults.
There are many factors in today’s society that have affected the growing obesity epidemic around the world. Factors that have contributed to the obesity epidemic are: the many types of media advertising unhealthy food, the lack of time parents have due to demanding jobs, the growing amount of processed and packaged foods with added preservatives, and the small amount of time young people spend doing outdoor or recreational activities because of the latest technology. To make sure that our generation is not the first generation to die young of obesity related diseases many measure will have to be put to action to control the obesity epidemic. Today’s obesity epidemic started back in the 1970’s. More women/ mothers started to attain more demanding careers and there would be no one at home to cook healthy fresh meals.