Parents do not seem to realize that their children are going to have all these health problems. Maybe if the doctors checked children’s blood pressure at an earlier age could prevent some of the health issues. Problems that can occur in children who are overweight are type 2 diabetes; diabetes can lead to eye disease, nerve damage, and kidney dysfunction. Girls are more likely to have type 2 diabetes than boys are. Girls carry 26% more SC fat than boys, which may contribute to relative insulin resistance in the female population.
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.
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.
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
These lifestyles range from sedentary habits, bad eating habits, and lack of exercise. Firstly, statistics have it; that child obesity has increased 30% in the last 20 years. These are staggering results that come out of the lifestyle that parents have chosen for their kids. Having the TV babysit for hours does no one any good. The average American child watches TV, plays video games in front of a TV and also staring in a computer screen a good part of the day.
The United States spends six to 10 percent of healthcare on costs caused by obesity compared to 2 to 3.5 percent in other western countries (Schwarz & Peterson, 2010). Schwarz and Peterson (2010) also explained that adolescent obesity affects the nation’s ability to serve and protect. This is because more than a quarter of 17 to 24 years olds are not fit enough to enroll in the armed services due to being overweight. Adolescence is a crucial stage for implementing and influencing health behaviors. Many of the habits formed during this timeframe will last well into adulthood (Schwarz & Peterson, 2010).
There are less children outside playing and more children inside sitting in front of televisions, video games, computers or just laying around in their houses doing nothing at all. Family behavior is another leading cause of childhood obesity. Parental behavior patterns are the main cause of the problem. Children learn from what they see. Parents who have poor shopping, cooking, eating and exercise habits show their children that their way of life is okay, when it, in fact, is not.
Analysis of Research Report HCS/438 November 12, 2012 Analysis of Research Report Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States over the last few decades. This has caused action on the part of government to address this problem and try to change behaviors and eating habits that might be contributing to the problem. Most people acknowledge that being overweight is not good for you, and can lead to many health problems. Our analysis of this research has shown a strong correlation to overweight kids turning into overweight adults. In particular, the study used for this research examined several factors during pregnancy and other factors showing a risk for childhood obesity and adulthood obesity.
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. Child and adolescent obesity is also associated with the increase risks of diabetes, emotional problems and cholesterol. Similarly, Children with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and be less popular with peers. Running out healthy food campaigns have been out for many years now but unfortunately is not changing anything in the obesity problem. The American heart society organization showed that obesity is increasing due to the increase in fast food restaurants.
The United States has an epidemic of childhood obesity. The statistics show that children in the U.S are becoming obese and this problem has grown throughout the years. Parents are usually concerned about protecting their children from the flu and the common cold. Even though they are doing well in protecting their children from such illnesses, they should also try to inform themselves about childhood obesity and the health problems that obesity can bring. Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States.