...are linked with obesity; a preventable, curable, and manageable disease that hundreds of thousands of people face all around the world. The only thing worse than having to face these health issues as an adult, is having to face them as a child. Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic in America today. This issue is leading to an unhealthy future for individual kids, but also for society as a whole. As the population has become more obese we have seen a rise in all kinds of health issues. Childhood obesity has been on a steady rise over recent years and this could cause a health crisis in the future. There are several causes to childhood obesity that can be overcome leading to a healthy life. The major causes of childhood obesity are a limited amount of physical activity, family behaviors, and unhealthy food choices. A lack of physical activity is one of the main causes of obesity. This has been a growing problem among children in recent years. “Obesity is a disorder of energy balance. It can occur only when the number of calories being consumed exceeds the number of calories burned, and usually an excess of this kind has to last for months or years of obesity is to develop” (Reilly, 2007). A lack of physical activity has led to the consumption of more calories than are burned off in children. There are many causes for this shift. A study done in the United States validated the relationship between hours of television watched each day and childhood obesity. “The findings showed...
Words: 935 - Pages: 4
...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...
Words: 870 - Pages: 4
...2001-2002 over 25 percent of the students in the Oregon school system were overweight. Childhood obesity is an epidemic in America as children consume more foods that are high in calories and sugars. In many cases these foods do not provide a significant amount of the child’s daily required nutrients. Therefore, not only in the food unhealthy, it is full of empty calories. Another reason behind the rise in obesity is the increasingly sedentary lifestyles that many children engage in. Childhood obesity can cause several health issues including, (1) high cholesterol and blood pressure which increases the risk for heart...
Words: 1314 - Pages: 6
...Childhood obesity is a fast growing epidemic in the US. Approximately seventeen percent of children and adolescents between the ages of two and nineteen are obese. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the definition of obesity is “a BMI at or above the ninety-fifth percentile for children of the same age and sex.” (2012). There are many risks involving childhood obesity. Children who are obese run the risk of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased risk of diabetes, sleeping problems, joint problems, liver issues and social problems. (CDC, 2012). With the vast amount of resources available, parents need to take action in his or her child’s life to prevent childhood obesity from becoming worse. What causes childhood obesity? The answer is this: too many calories consumed and not enough calories burned. Every day, children consume sugar laden drinks and unhealthy food. Mix this in with less physical activity and more sedentary behavior and that equals the recipe for disaster. Children are making unhealthy food choices and getting less exercise because of exposure to environments that make the poor choices for them. At school, many children have access to sugary drinks and poor quality foods through vending machines. At home healthy foods may not be available, so the choices become processed foods and fast food. Obtaining affordable, healthy food is also an issue for some. When parents are on a strict budget, it is cheaper to buy food...
Words: 763 - Pages: 4
...One of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States is childhood obesity. The amount of children that fall in the obese category has more than tripled since 1970. It is now estimated that one in every five children in the United States would fall under this obese category. This rapid growth has resulted from many changes in our society including: How we measure obesity, increased technology, increased availability of fast food, and an increased intake of sugar. To understand what it is that causes childhood obesity its necessary to have a solid comprehension of what obesity is and how its measured. The dictionary definition of obesity is “a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body”; however,...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
...Now in America 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese. This has been a struggle that is now increasing fast. For children they should try to stay fit as much as possible. Being overweight and staying that way just sets you up for major health problems as an adult. There are many causes for child obesity, but there are also many ways it can be prevented. Children can take part n many steps to live amore healthy and active lifestyle. There are many causes for child and teen obesity. Now a days children do not want to get out of the house. There are so many electronics and technology keeping them inside. Why go outside when you can stay inside and go on social media and talk to your friends right? Wrong! Kids are so caught up in technology they no longer get to experience the fun in going outside. They would rather sit in the house and stare at a screen all day. Everyone does this sometimes you need a little time to yourself but too much can cause problems. This is one major cause of child obesity. Another cause of child obesity is eating and diet habits. Our country is filled with horrible foods and unhealthy ones. You have the foods that taste great and are delicious and then you have the ones that do not taste so great. Which one would you pick? The great tasting one right? Well in our day and...
Words: 764 - Pages: 4
...Trends in America Surrounding Childhood Obesity In the past 40 years obesity rates for children age 6 to 11 nearly tripled—from 5% to 14%—and more than tripled for adolescents age 12 to 19—from 5% to 17.1% (NCLS.org). There are many reasons behind obesity rates tripling in the past thirty years. One reason is that around 30% of U.S. children do not exercise three or more times a week (NCLS.org). Another reason why childhood obesity has tripled in the past thirty years is that urban and suburban designs discourage walking and other physical activities (acvitvelivingresources.org). This increase in childhood obesity can also lead to adults with heart disease and diabetes. Government Influences on Food Choices and Options The government plays an important role in what we eat and what is sold. For example, all food sold must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They have taxes in place such as the fat tax to help reduce obesity in the U (abcnews.go.com). The government also has basic guidelines to food consumption such as the food pyramid. The government also has control over how food is marketed. For example, USDA, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), may start limiting how the food industry markets junk food to kids (news.change.org). Overall, the government plays an important role in what everyone in the United States eats. ...
Words: 733 - Pages: 3
...Childhood Obesity David Sholl Western Governors University Task 3 Childhood Obesity Part A: Description of the Problem The primary focus of the literature review will be childhood obesity among American children between the ages of five and eighteen years. Most parents are not aware that their children have problems until they become overweight. For instance, in a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, about 49% of American parents believed that their children were of average size. However, after physical examinations, a team of physicians classified them as overweight. Central adiposity is one of the symptoms of childhood obesity. Children with excessive accumulation of fat around the abdominal area are either overweight or obese. Inability to cope with abrupt physical activities is another symptom. Numerous studies indicate that overweight children have diminished physical stamina because their bodies carry excess weight. Snoring is the other notable symptom of childhood obesity. As fat accumulates around the neck region, it obstructs the windpipe leading to snoring among children. Childhood obesity is now a pandemic in the U.S, and has become a national health crisis. One in every three children in America aged between two and eighteen years are considered overweight or obese. The life-threatening problems of obesity create a critical and compelling call for action that should not be ignored. According to numerous sources obesity is related...
Words: 2697 - Pages: 11
...Causes and effect of childhood obesity Introduction: Nowadays the majority of children all around the world suffer from being overweight or obesity. In the United States of America in particular, there exists the highest proportion of childhood obesity in the world. These figures are continuing to grow in this country as well as in other developed and developing countries. In addition, almost 25% of children suffer from being clinically overweight while a staggering 11% of children are clinically obese in the States according to the latest statistics (Dehghan et al, 2005). Obesity in childhood is defined as an excess of fat in the child's body. Body mass index (BMI) can also be used to define obesity in childhood and adults. This sort of measurement can classify obesity into different categories, for example, normal weight, underweight, overweight, obesity, obesity class 1, obesity class 2 and obesity class 3 (Onyike et al, 2003). The major problem of childhood obesity is that is has become one of the most serious nutritional issues in the world.. The obesity epidemic has been spreading since 1971 in both developed and developing countries, especially in the United States of America (Dehghan et al, 2005). In recent years, the obesity epidemic has grown rapidly in these counties. There are several influences which are responsible for the increase in the rate of childhood obesity in the States. For instance, consumption of fast food which contains a large amount of calories...
Words: 632 - Pages: 3
...Running head: Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society 1 Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society Elizabeth Widmeyer Western Governors University Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society 2 Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in America's society that is having an astronomical impact on the health of our children and our health care system. But, what exactly does it mean to label a child obese? According to Mayo Clinic (2014) “Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat.” Body fat is measured using the body mass index (BMI). A child's BMI is calculated by dividing their height by their weight. The calculation would then be graphed with their age in months to determine their growth percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). A child is considered obese if they are in the 95th percentile or higher . A child who falls in the 85th - 95th is considered overweight and is at risk of becoming obese (KidsHealth, n.d.). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014) there are 12.5 million Americans between the ages of 2 to 19 that are obese. Race, physical activity level and eating habits are three main components that can lead to obesity in children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...
Words: 1341 - Pages: 6
...Childhood Obesity in the United States of America Tolulope Adedokun Introduction to psychology Dr. Michael Gawrysiak November 28, 2014 Table of contents Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Causes of Obesity ………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Heredity …………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Social Environment ……………………………………………………………………… 5 Social Status …………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Birth Weight …………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Effects of Obesity ………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Health Effects ……………………………………………………………………………. 7 Mental Effects …………………………………………………………………………… 7 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7 Solutions to Childhood Obesity in The United States of America ………………………………. 8 References ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Abstract Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developing countries especially in the United States of America. Twenty five percent of children in the US are overweight and 11% are obese. Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have significant impact on both physical and psychological health. This paper describes the causes, effects, and solutions to childhood obesity in...
Words: 1891 - Pages: 8
...CHILDHOOD OBESITY Childhood Obesity-Definition http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/definition/con-20027428 Reasons of Childhood Obesity http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/problem.html http://children.webmd.com/guide/obesity-children How to help children http://www.helpguide.org/mental/childhood_obesity.htm Bullying http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/obesity/pages/Teasing-and-Bullying.aspx http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/03/obesity.bullying/ Wisconsin http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/fundedstates/pdf/wisconsin-state-profile.pdf http://host.madison.com/news/local/city-life/childhood-obesity-on-the-decline-nationally-but-wisconsin-shows-little/article_ad7817f0-ef28-553f-8a0d-692a1ea133de.html http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/outreach/wisconsin-prevention-obesity-diabetes/ http://www.childhealthdata.org/docs/nsch-docs/wisconsin-pdf.pdf http://fasinfat.org/states/wi/ (Graphics) http://www.childhealthdata.org/docs/nsch-docs/wisconsin04_23_508-pdf.pdf (Tables) https://www.facebook.com/WECOPI (FACEBOOK PAGE) America http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm (Graphics and Tables) http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/pednssfactsheet.pdf * http://health.heraldtribune.com/2014/01/20/top-5-myths-about-obesity-in-america/ (Mitos...
Words: 285 - Pages: 2
...Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating. - Bob Filner Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating. - Bob Filner References: American Heart Association. (2016), What is childhood obesity? Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WeightManagement/Obesity/Childhood-Obesity_UCM_304347_Article.jsp#.VuN7AY-cHIU Centers of disease control and prevention. (2016), Retrieved at http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html Help Cure Child Obesity. (2016), Child Obesity in America: Taking Care of Our Children Retrieved from http://www.helpcurechildobesity.com/ References: American Heart Association. (2016), What is childhood obesity? Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WeightManagement/Obesity/Childhood-Obesity_UCM_304347_Article.jsp#.VuN7AY-cHIU Centers of disease control and prevention. (2016), Retrieved at http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html Help Cure Child Obesity. (2016), Child Obesity in America: Taking Care of Our Children Retrieved from http://www.helpcurechildobesity.com/ Will You Out Live Your Parents Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our society. We are reaching a time that hasn’t been achieved since the American Revolution. Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight...
Words: 342 - Pages: 2
...RUNNING HEAD: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 Childhood Obesity C. Kevin Barr SOC120 John Meeks February 8, 2013 CHILDHOOD OBESITY 2 Childhood Obesity and the Health Concerns Obesity is such a hot topic in America today and childhood obesity and the ethical arguments over obesity has greatly increased over the last 10 years. Health problems that occur from this deadly disease is something that no one wants to talk about. When people think about health, what usually is discussed is cancer or heart disease. Not many people really think about one of the biggest issues out there that is really not taken very seriously and that is obesity. In America there are hundreds of thousands of children that are overweight. Obesity is a disease, a disease associated with many other health issues, including congestive heart problems, diabetes among other physical and mental complications associated with this disease. We will discuss throughout this paper how one of the classical theories would help resolve the problems that are associated with the dangers of childhood obesity, then discuss the perspective of society and how it relates to relativism in today's world. There are many arguments about how childhood obesity starts, who's to blame for allowing this to happen and societies ethical and moral obligation associated with fixing the problem. Who or what is to blame for the...
Words: 1692 - Pages: 7
...Childhood Obesity Family-based treatment is more effective than individual treatment for childhood obesity diagnoses in America. Childhood obesity is a medical condition in which a child has excessive body mass index for the child’s age and height. Childhood obesity is a growing problem which has led to an epidemic in America. There are several contributing factors which lead adolescents to be diagnosed with pediatric obesity. Some American medical professionals are focusing on preventing and diminishing pediatric obesity with individual treatment, however, according to the American Heart Association, If parents are unhealthy, children are likely to be unhealthy too” (American Heart Association, 2011). Family-based treatment regulates the effects of childhood obesity over the long term versus individual treatment for adolescents and teenagers, which is a short term solution. Childhood obesity affects one in three children and teens in the United States, causing the rate to triple since 1963 (American Heart Association, 2011). Pediatric obesity involves children two to twenty years of age, where the child or teen has excessive body fat for their age and sex. Excessive body fat occurs when energy ingested is more than energy burned off by a child or teenager. A few symptoms of child obesity are sleep apnea; when a child or teen stops breathing in his or her sleep for a short period of time, hip or knee pain, difficulty in breathing such as; asthma, headaches, skin conditions...
Words: 2697 - Pages: 11
