...CHILDHOOD OBESITY? Can Breastfeeding in the First Six Months Prevent Childhood Obesity? Introduction Childhood obesity is an issue that has baffled many in the United States and the United Kingdom. Various researchers such as Charlesworth (2013) assert that the trend has significantly increased since the 1960s, an issue that has necessitated further research on the subject .For instance, Akabas et al., (2012) assert that 14 to 16% of 5 years old and 17 to 19% of 19 years old are overweight. This has been necessitated by the fact that the older/obese a child becomes the likelihood that the child will become obese in adulthood (Charlesworth, 2013). Thus, considering this became a matter of global concern. Further, studies have been done to ascertain the probability of a child becoming obese if not breastfed in the first six months. For a thorough comprehension of the topic, it was concluded that it is necessary to explore issues such as defining overweight and obesity for children, genetic predisposition to weight and obesity, behaviours that affect childhood overweight and obesity. Also, how breastfeeding aids in curbing obesity and overweight in children and how the role of a mother and family in preventing obesity and overweight in children is also addressed. Finally, recommendations were made regarding how childhood obesity can be curbed. This paper researches whether breastfeeding can play a critical role in the first six months in curbing childhood obesity. ...
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...Carbohydrate Diets Low-carbohydrate dieting has and continues to generate varied interpretations across various settings all around the world. This can be accredited to the fact that such a diet has been postulated to help in the management of overweight and obesity, which have become significantly prevalent in the recent past. Speaking of low-carbohydrate dieting, this connotes to a diet that comprises of a limited amount of carbohydrates, but is high in fats and proteins. Arguably, low-carbohydrate dieting works because it offers a viable platform in which people, particularly obese and overweight individuals can shed excess body weight. Notably, carbohydrates occur as the major source of energy in the body (Weinblatt, 2011). During periods of excess carbohydrate intake, the body converts carbohydrates into glucose for use as an energy supply, and the surplus is converted into fats and stored in within the body. For this purpose, low-carbohydrate dieting results in shortage of energy supply; hence, prompting the body to break down fats to provide energy; thus, resulting in the reduction of excess body fats. This is perhaps the rationale as to why low-carbohydrate dieting works in curbing overweight and obesity. However, low-carbohydrate dieting poses certain adverse health effects on the body. This aligns to the fact that carbohydrates should have a sparing effect on proteins. Speaking of sparing effect, this refers to the need for the body to use carbohydrates as the...
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...With obesity in America on the up rise, from young children to adults, this epidemic continues to be a cost to the economy on the whole. Therefore, it's no surprise that employers have implemented gyms and different health measures as a means of curbing the increasing waistlines of individuals. Personally, I would welcome the opportunity to work for any company that requires their employees to work out on a daily basis, especially on company time. As someone who is very keen about keeping fit and already work out on a daily basis, it would be amazing to work for a company that share the same values as I do. It is my belief that both employer and employee can benefit from incorporating exercise in the daily regiment of the business. It will take the stress away of having to work around my daily schedule to find time to work out. Additionally, I believe physical activity can boost energy levels that will ultimately lead to an increase in productivity for the business. However, while I may see this as a blessing in disguise, others may beg to differ, which brings me to my next point. If a company chooses to make daily exercise as part of their system, it has the potential of both hurting and possibly helping the company's recruiting process. You see, exercise psychologists show that they are different reasons as to why people are motivated to exercise or not. As a result, this requirement might not be received well by all applicants. However, this can be beneficial to the employer...
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...Fast Food Advertising And Childhood Obesity A rise in obesity has been observed in the United States in the last two decades. Obesity is one problem that gives birth to numerous fatal diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey and found that, “More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese” (Ogden, Carroll). One of the main reasons behind obesity is the American’s love for fast food. Fast food contains only a small proportion of essential nutrients, and is loaded with unhealthy and non-essential nutrients which do nothing but contribute to obesity and resulting diseases. An equally increasing trend has been observed in the openings of new fast food locations. The fact sheet issued by National Restaurant Association shows that “970,000 new fast food locations were opened in year 2012 and the restaurant-industry share of each food dollar spent stands at 48%” (2012 forecast). Those parents who know about the adverse effects of fast food consumption try their best to keep their children away from it. But no matter how hard they try to shield their children, some negative forces like advertising provides them a complete exposure to such unhealthy food. A kid may never have eaten a McDonald’s hamburger, but he/she definitely knows what it looks like, thanks to the power of...
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...Social Analysis Report Children Obesity Mengtong Huang Holly Lachapelle Jung Ohyeon Professor Fidaa Shehada Global Citizenship (GNED500204) Due date: December 3, 2015 Introduction of children abesity and connected with GNED 500(by Holly Lachapelle) The topic of our social analysis is child obesity. As far as we know, childhood obesity is becoming a growing epidemic in the modern world. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, “The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period.” (Ogden,2012) These numbers are concerning because childhood obesity leads to long term health risks including diabetes, heart disease and many cancers. As our society becomes increasingly technologically driven, our youth are becoming less and less physically active. Today’s children are more likely to send a friend a text rather than run over to their house and “call on them”. Modern conveniences and entertainment such as videogames, television, the internet, facebook and kid-friendly fast food joints play a major role in the growing rate of childhood obesity. Currently there are many efforts being made to slow down or reverse the negative effects of living in modern day society for our children. Some of these attempts include increased awareness about nutrition and...
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...Childhood obesity has grown into an epidemic within the last 30 years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011), “7% of children were considered obese in the U.S. in 1980, and by 2008, it was nearly 20%. Additionally, the incidence of obesity among adolescent children, aged 12-19 years, grew from 5% to 18% over the same time period” (CDC, 2011). Coincidentally, over the past 30 years, more parents are working, not only every day, but longer hours, and in many cases both parents are working. Is the rat race killing our kids? There is an epidemic of parents who are too tired or lazy to engage their children, and have begun relying on the T.V., computers, or video games to occupy and entertain them. Also, the evolution of new technology has children involved with a screen of some sort, whether it’s a T.V., video game, cell phone, computer, etc, hence researchers have coined the term, “screen time.” This behavior of instant gratification has created an environment of sedentary behavior, as well as fostering a lack of personal interaction with others. The increase in screen time has become a normal way for parents to occupy their children while they are busy doing tasks of their own or resting after a long day at work. This paper will show that as a society, everyone should be proactive, take responsibility, and offer support and encouragement to promote appropriate physical activity in children. Children must be shown that there are more things to do outside...
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...Childhood Obesity – State of Oregon Legislation and Federal Legislation Ann Klinger DeVry University HSM410 Health Care Policy Professor Patricia Devin Week #7 February 23, 2013 Childhood Obesity – State of Oregon Legislation and Federal Legislation Summary On June 21, 2004 Senator Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Senator Bill Frist, introduced to the 108th Congress Senate Bill S.2551 entitled Childhood Obesity Reduction Act. This bill was to “combat childhood obesity for children in Oregon and throughout the nation, and urged that Congress take the lead in curbing the epidemic by passing the Childhood Obesity Reduction Act. The legislation, would establish a Congressional Council on Childhood Obesity to promote the following activities and to encourage every U.S. elementary and middle school to develop and implement a plan to reduce and prevent obesity, promote improved nutritional choices, and promote increased physical activity:” ("Wyden combats childhood," October 2004 Press Release). United States Senate bill S.2551 failed, but all 50 states and the Federal government are continuing to make efforts to reduce childhood obesity. My paper will review legislation the State of Oregon has implemented to reduce childhood obesity. I will provide an overview of Federal government legislation that has been implemented to reduce childhood obesity. Statistics report, “since 1980 obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5, and youths 6 to 11 rates have grown...
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...see are the cars rolling by with young eager eyes peering out of the window wanting to run around and only to be driven to the nearest McDonald’s to be stuffed full of preservatives, empty calories, and saturated fats; then taken home to be sat down in front of a television screen to keep them occupied. Within the past 30 years, the number of overweight and obese children has tripled (Lytle), not only decreasing their life span by ten to twenty years, but creating $147 billion a year in weight related medical bills nation-wide. The increasing number of obese adults, teens, and children has reached epidemic proportions and if nothing is done about this crisis then our country will be facing a very fat problem. Knowing that the rate of obesity has increased within the past 30 years it is important to realize how it became a problem in order to resolve it. One of the culprits is the new forms of entertainment being available to the youth, namely television and the internet. With these devices people can gain consistent instant gratification in a short period of time and can easily become addicted to them hindering the likelihood of voluntary exercise. Even though the internet has only been widely popular within the past ten years, the average Americans spends approximately 52 hours a month online (Whitney). In addition to our internet usage, 151 hours a month is being spent watching television (Semuels). At one point in time in order to catch up with a friend entailed walking miles...
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...Public interest groups have become increasingly critical of the food industry. Childhood obesity has become epidemic in the United States. According to the American Journal of Business Education, “One-third of the population of US children is considered obese and two-thirds of the adult population falls into the same category.” A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation states that between the time periods 1963-1970 and 1999-2000, the percentage of overweight children aged 6 to 11 skyrocketed from 4.2 to 15.3 percent. (341). Many feel that this is a result of the food industry’s targeting of young children with deceptive advertisements promoting unhealthy processed foods. In January 2005, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated claims that McDonald’s violated New York State’s consumer protection act by falsely advertising the health benefits of its food. (341). Responding to the public pressure, Kraft Foods in January 2005 made a major shift in their corporate marketing policy. (341). They would stop advertising such products as Kool-Aid, Oreo cookies, Chips Ahoy cookies, and selected varieties of Lunchables and Post cereals in television, radio and print ads directed at children younger than 12. (342,343). In so doing, Kraft was conceding that such advertisements might, in fact, adversely impact the health of young children. According to Michael Mudd, a member of Kraft’s “obesity strategy team,” Kraft made this decision to avoid a decades-long court battle with public...
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... | 310 | Margarita, 4 oz. | 270 | Rum, 1.5 oz. | 96 | Vodka, 1.5 oz. | 96 | Whiskey, 1.5 oz. | 105 | Wine spritzer, 4 oz. | 49 | Wine, dessert, sweet, 4 oz. | 180 | The next time you reach for a cocktail before your meal consider if it's worth the weight that you could be gaining from it. Research has shown a 20% increase in calories consumed at a meal when alcohol was consumed before the meal. There was a total caloric increase of 33% when the calories from the alcohol were added. Along with the increase in weight you can have an increased risk to your health because of where you gain the weight. A study of over 3,000 people showed that consuming elevated amounts of alcohol is associated with abdominal obesity in men. Many people joke about this being a "beer belly." Unfortunately, a "beer belly" puts you at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, elevated blood lipids, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The late-night munchies are often associated with a...
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...Childhood Obesity Danielle Borde ENG122: English Composition II Instructor: Peter Kunze July 29, 2012 Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is an issue that has become more evident of a problem as the years have changed. I am interested in the facts as to how a child becomes obese and if there are any ways to either prevent it or overturn it. I want to prove that obesity weighs more heavily on nature rather than nurture. There are specific genes that some people have and some people don’t have that attribute to becoming obese. I know the schools are doing a lot to keep kids more fit and active these days. First Lady Michelle Obama has played a huge role in helping over turn childhood obesity. Her goals for her “Lets Move” campaign are, better school nutrition, better labeling of high calorie foods and drinks, growing support for farmers markets, and educating moms and dads to instill better eating habits (Christina, 2010). I believe this will be a very productive program. It has been said in the past that nurture was the main factor in becoming obese. This has become less of a factor since scientists have been looking more closely at the genes. Genes account for more than three quarters of the difference between children’s waistlines, with factors such as diet and exercise playing a much smaller role (MNT, 2008). A man named Nikhil Dhurandhar discovered a gene by the name of adenovirus-36(Ad-36), which causes fat cells to grow. Dhurandhar and his team...
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...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...
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...Alice Livingston Family Development Research/ Appropriate Use of Technology Nutrition through the Life Cycle Obesity in children Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Physicians and researchers did numerous studies on children’s habits and lifestyles as an important part of society. Nowadays, children face big problems with obesity. As a result, researchers have learned that healthy habits could have a profound impact on the future of every child and get a better understanding of how children perceive healthy eating. Researchers have proved and would like to emphasize that obesity has tripled in Canadian children in recent decades. For this reason, researchers have identified that healthy behaviors have numerous benefits. By making healthy food choices and explaining the nutritional value of various foods to children will improve the lifestyle of every child and make children’s health better. After a large quantity of interviews that were used to collect data on what food children prefer to eat and why it was discovered that they have bad eating habits and lifestyle. Researchers have found that only 75% of children understood healthy eating by identifying what is healthy food and what is junk food. Almost all children have mentioned eating fruits and vegetables. Findings suggested that children had previously heard...
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...Background Obesity is an increasing epidemic. In the United States, more than 60 million or one in every three adults are obese as defined by Body Mass Index (BMI). Obesity is defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 30 (CDC, 2015). Successful treatment methods have been identified for reducing weight which include increasing physical activity and decreasing caloric intake. Exercise and physical activity have been shown to not only lose weight, but also improve cardiovascular functioning, lower blood pressure, and lower serum cholesterol levels (Porth, 2011, p. 232). Exercise also lowers blood sugar levels, improves insulin response in the body, and can decrease stress and anxiety; the opposite of each has been associated with obesity. A diet low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates can improve the body’s insulin response, decrease adipose tissue, increase the body’s metabolic functioning ability (Porth, 2011, p. 232) and thereby reduce one’s BMI. Though obesity may be preventable and treatable through diet changes and exercise, reducing the rates is proving to be very difficult (Briscoe & Berry, 2009, p. 164).Professional medical societies and public health organizations have recognized the consequences of this epidemic resulting in guidelines being published for the evaluation and treatment of obese individuals. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services, counseling for obesity should contain certain services. They include screening for obesity in adults...
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...June 29, 2011 Childhood obesity has become one of the most predominant health problems facing our nation today. Its prevalence in the United States is such that it is considered an epidemic that has a powerful, adverse impact on the well-being of our society. Childhood obesity affects all aspects of a child’s life; most significantly by contributing to poor health and negative social perceptions by society. Extensive research of this issue has identified numerous causal and risk factors associated with obesity. Given the multifaceted nature of the problem, and its severe implications for the future health and well-being of affected children, I believe that the most effective solutions will be achieved through programs that focus on prevention efforts. This thesis begins with a definition of the obesity epidemic, followed by a discussion of research into the multiple causal factors associated with childhood obesity. Particular emphasis is placed on prevention and intervention programs in the school environment, as many of the efforts to address childhood obesity have been school-based. This thesis also concludes the causes of obesity, environmental factors, biological, genetic, and dietary behaviors, the cost of obesity, and so much more. Recent studies and surveys provide clear evidence that children and adolescents are becoming overweight and, more significantly, obese at increasingly younger ages. Statistical evidence demonstrates that obesity has become a true epidemic...
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