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Childhood Obesity in America

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Submitted By claudiarawa
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Claudia Rawa
Mrs. Donlan
Advanced Composition
20 February 2016
Childhood Obesity in America Obesity is the condition characterized by the excessive amount of fat storage in the body. Childhood obesity is a major health concern in todays society. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Also, self-esteem issues, which can lead to eating disorders, depression, and crash diets (Mayo Clinic Staff). Most children these days are classified as being overweight for their age. There are a numerous amount of causes of childhood obesity. Plenty of reasons, including genetic factors, calorie intake, and lack of physical activity are the prime causes of childhood obesity (“Cause and Effect: Obesity”). One of the contributing causes of childhood obesity is genetics. Genetic factors play one of the many roles in child obesity. Some individuals are more susceptible to inherit obesity diseases than others. Genes passed down from generations can directly cause obesity in children (Walley). A gene is a unit of heredity that is transferred from parent to offspring. These genes carry characteristics of the parental component, which may include obesity factors (“Behavior”). One of the genetic factors include metabolism. Metabolism converts food and drinks into energy into your body. People could have a fast metabolism or a slow metabolism, childhood obesity involves slow metabolism. Slow metabolism may be passed down through genetics. Metabolism also involves an energy imbalance. Energy imbalance is caused by eating more than your body’s metabolic rate requires in a day (Gusain). Although genetics are a major part in childhood obesity, the calorie intake of a child may be the most critical cause. Calorie intake varies from child to child, but is often high. The recommended amount of calories is roughly about

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