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. I think that eating healthy and a lot of physical activity is important for children to help them stay healthy. But one large factor that I feel gets over looked when it comes to childhood obesity is how unhealthy food is advertised, and how big of an effect what everyday children watch on the television really does have in the rising of obesity rates. I think that the fast food and advertising are at huge fault for childhood obesity. The fast food industry knows that putting a toy in their kids meals will make young children want to go to their restaurants, rather than restaurants where they go in and sit down and get no toys.
Nowadays, children obesity has increased rapidly, and it has reached the epidemic level. Experts predict that 15% of children are overweight, and another 15% are at the risk of becoming overweight. Two-thirds of these overweight children will become overweight adults. (Henry, 2004) Who or what should be blamed for the rise in obesity? Should the parents who set a bad example be blamed?
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.
In addition, overweight and obese people are portrayed in a negative way in the media, including television and movies. Sociocultural influences on body image can lead to eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and even obesity if an overweight viewer does not feel that she or he are living up to the culturally desirable image. The end result is a serious psychological as well as health issue. While obesity among adults has doubled since 1980, overweight among adolescents has tripled. The United States Office of the Surgeon General (2001)
A Critical Review of “Raising Healthy Children: Moral and Political Responsibility for Childhood Obesity” Using current research and public health strategies, Purcell (2010) analysed and criticized an up to date approach in addressing childhood obesity. This study aimed to provide the highlights of research studies findings and recommendations for prevention and treatment of childhood obesity in North America. Purcell (2010) emphasized that this public health issue has become an epidemic, but until now, the solution remained intangible. Prevention and strategies need to be put in place urgently to slow down and reverse this upsurge in obesity. Encouraging individuals to make healthy choices may have some impact, but because of the magnitude of the issue according to Purcell (2010), it is insignificant.
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.
corticoids and antidepressants.Previously considered as an aesthetic problem, obesity is now regarded as a real illness. Being severely overweight and obesity are responsible for a certain number of problems e.g. Premature death – according to international obesity task force (IOTF) obese women run three times more risk of being affected by a cerebral vascular illness than thin women. There is a high risk of thromboembolic diseases (angina pectoris, phlebitis and pulmonary embolism).Arterial Hypertension - is linked to obesity in 30-60% of cases, notably in western adults under the age of 40. Type 2 Diabetes – this diabetes which appears in adults, and where insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels, is no longer effective is closely linked with being overweight.
Adolescents Obesity and Intervention Strategy Adolescents Obesity Intervention and Prevention Strategy According to Schwarz and Peterson (2010) “adolescents’ obesity in the United States has many important implications for both the health and well-being of the individual and society.” The negative health consequences of obesity include many diseases, chronic health disorders, psychological disorders, and early death. This contributes to billions of dollars of health care costs each year. The healthcare costs due to the adolescent obesity rate are estimated at more than $14 billion per year. The direct and indirect cost totals more than $140 billion dollars annually. 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).
The economic cost of supporting and increasingly overweight population with more diseases is another concern (U.S. obesity). Childhood obesity has not only prominent immediate effects but dangerous long-terms effects on children’s health and wellbeing. The effected children can more likely to have risk factor, cardiovascular disease, such a high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In a population based sample of 5 to 17 years old, 70% of obese youth had one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (Journal of Pediatrics,
Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. Parents should take action and responsibility in preventing obesity in their children by enforcing healthy habits, such as exercise and healthy eating habits. Obesity is a chronic disease in children and it is determined by the BMI-for-age