...The New England Journal of Medicine: Incidence of Childhood Obesity in the United States General Summary: Childhood Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. Prevalence data has been documented; however, gaps in the incidence study still exist. Thus, a study was conducted on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health in order to track the incidence of obesity. The National Center for Educational Statistics selected a nationally representative cohort using probability sampling. Children who were starting kindergarten in the fall semester of 1998 were followed up until they reached the eight grade for data collection; cumulative incidence shows the 9-year risk of obesity. Variables were selected such as height, weight, parent-reported age, sex, race, ethnic group, socioeconomic status, and birth weight. Study showed that although the prevalence of obesity increased with age, incident obesity was highest at the youngest ages and declined through eighth grade. The lowest cumulative incidence according to socioeconomic factors was among children from wealthy families and the highest was among children from the middle socioeconomic quintile. Importance of Article: Childhood Obesity is an important concern for the community and this article does a great job detailing why. Childhood Obesity affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disorder for children. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes...
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...in Childhood Obesity Abstract Many early life risk factors for childhood obesity are more prevalent among blacks and Hispanics than among whites and may explain the higher prevalence of obesity among racial/ethnic minority children. Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care is a national priority, and obesity is a prime target. During the last 30 years in the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children has dramatically increased, sparing no age group. Obesity in childhood is associated with adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes and with other long-term adverse outcomes, including both physical and psychosocial consequences. By the preschool years, racial/ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence are already present, suggesting that disparities in childhood obesity prevalence have their origins in the earliest stages of life. Several risk factors during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of offspring obesity, including excessive maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and smoking during pregnancy, antenatal depression, and biological stress. During infancy and early childhood, rapid infant weight gain, infant feeding practices, sleep duration, child’s diet, physical activity, and sedentary practices are associated with the development of obesity. Studies have found substantial racial/ethnic differences in many of these early life risk factors for childhood obesity...
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...Poverty and Welfare on Childhood Obesity1 Poverty and Welfare on Childhood Obesity Paul D Stasiak Self Study Childhood obesity has become a growing concern in the eyes of many Americans, yet not every parent can identify if their child or one they care for is overweight. Understanding dietary intake for our children is a very important. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), childhood obesity has more than doubled and young adult obesity has quadrupled in the last 30 years (p. 1). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define being overweight as having an excess body weight for a given height, specifically as having excess body fat. The number of obese children today is higher than it has been in the past. However, times are changing and the fast food companies are growing more and more popular each and every day. This paper will examine the research which states that a child is more likely to be obese as an adult if they were obese all throughout their adolescent years and poverty’s effect on childhood obesity. According to Feeding America (2013), 45.3 million Americans were living in poverty (p. 1). This number is very high considering the 318.9 million that are living in America. The unemployment rate in January of 2015 was 5.7%. As a result of unemployment or living in poverty conditions, some families have resorted to buying less expensive food options for their children in order to...
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...David Zinczenko in his essay “Don’t Blame the Eater” confronts the topic of adolescent obesity and its correlation to the daily consumption of fast-foods. The author reveals that he too, at one point, fell victim to the “golden arches”. The author’s personal narrative revealed that after eating fast-food twice a day he weighed two-hundred and twelve pounds standing at only five foot ten. I sympathize with the author about the ever increasing numbers of childhood obesity, the money in which is donated to childhood obesity research, and the misconception of nutrition labels of prepared foods. The author used valid statistics to acclimate the reader to his point of view. He believes that the problem should not just be assumed by the consumers...
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...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...
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...Meneely, Mikel Professor Michael Begnal ENG 104 March 16, 2016 Kids These Days Childhood obesity plagues more children in America than ever before, and it continues to grow in number year by year. In order to avoid letting childhood obesity numbers continue to grow, there needs to be changes in certain aspects of children’s lifestyles. This increase over the years can be attributed to many factors including unhealthy, calorie-filled school lunches and children not receiving enough exercise. Childhood obesity poses a very real threat to the health of younger generations and can lead to dangerous, life-threatening health issues later in life. In the rise of child obesity, children are at more risk of diabetes and other heart diseases that could not only affect them in the short and long term. In response to this issue, child obesity should be combated by offering healthier choices for school lunches, and allowing a full hour for recess. All of these could be accomplished by allowing more funding from the Department of Education, and this would allow more funding to state educational funds. Decreasing child obesity would be important for children in the long run because it would decrease their chance of developing type-two diabetes and early heart diseases. Obesity is the root cause of countless diseases, conditions, and illnesses, some of which are even life-threatening. Adulthood obesity has been linked to many deadly diseases. Some examples include heart disease, diabetes...
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...personal responsibility and desired healthcare goal. This author believes that health promotion can be achieved by individuals willing to participate fully in healthcare decisions in order to sustain progress and promote well-being by improving quality of life, even when living with a chronic condition. The purpose of health promotion is very important in nursing practice because nurses approach patients’ health problems through a holistic view. They work together with members of the healthcare team, to not only educate patients about illness management, but to focus their attention on teachings about staying healthy. According to the Center for Disease control, obesity now affects 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States - triple the rate from just one generation ago. (Childhood Overweight and Obesity, 2012) Nurses are obligated in situations like this to provide nutritional advice to parents, and inform them about weight management tools, calorie reduction and appropriate physical activities regimen. Nurses...
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...PSYCHOLOGY Parental Influence: Implications for the Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity Abstract The overall purpose of this study was to investigate whether parents serve as role models in influencing their children’s weight-related behaviours. Participants were 60 random parents of children from Barbados. Unlike previous research studies, the correlation analyses of this study indicated that the junk food or fast foods children consumed was negatively associated with the amount of income made by the parents or their education level. Although it was found that some children do model their parents’ behaviour when it comes to healthy food choices, the findings show that parents do not enforce the healthy eating practices unto their children. This study did not support the theory that children model adult eating behaviours on their own. Parental Influence: Implications for the Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity Some researchers in public health have concluded that the problem of early childhood obesity has reached near-epidemic proportions (Deckelbaum & Williams 2001; Puhl & Latner 2007). The problem of early childhood obesity and overweight appears to be on-going without implementation of early detection and prevention strategies (Stegelin 2008). The causes most commonly identified with the increase in early childhood obesity are inadequate physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet (Campbell...
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...A.Thesis Statement. Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S and around the world. This is a problem that should be addressed at all levels of a child’s life. The best action that can be taken is to inform people of the problem, and to give them the knowledge to fight obesity in kids. The number of kids affected by obesity is roughly 20% of kids ages 6-11 today in the US (Ferry, 2012). Obesity can cause many other health issues within a child's life such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and also self-esteem issues. B. Annotated Bibliography Ferry, R. (2012). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/obesity_in_children/article_em.html According to the above website, majority of the information given within the article is common sense when it comes to parents making the correct food choices for their children. This article gives many good facts about the number of kids affected by this problem. For example, “Although rare in the past, obesity is now among the most widespread medical problem affecting children and adolescents living in the United States and other developed countries (Ferry, 2012). In the article Ferry discussed how technology has affected the activity level of children. Furthermore, the lack of parental guidance has caused children to be less active. Instead of children going outside and playing sports they are inside playing on their computers, and watching television. About...
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...There is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity in Australia and also worldwide. The prevalence of obesity has doubled to 65% of the world’s population live in countries where obesity and overweight kills more people than underweight does (WHO, 2011). Obese children are more likely to have health problems throughout their childhood, these health issues are associated with long-term health consequences to which the economic costs are enormous (Swinburn, 2008). Obesity in childhood is frequently tracked into adulthood, this is clearly a major contributor for the adulthood epidemic. Interventions and preventions have become key strategies in reducing the impact of childhood obesity. Through national and international health promotions, promoting healthy eating and physical activity in environments that reduce childhood obesity. The rapid increase of childhood obesity not only is it a burden on psychological, physical but also socially (Deckelbaum & Williams, 2005). Health care professionals such as nurses’ play a very important role in the prevention or management of obesity. Nurses’ can research current evidence in health promotions to find the best program for different populations by providing support and management of their illness (Bluford, Sherry & Scanlon, 2007). Throughout this is essay all these points will be discussed in more detail. Obesity and overweight have been defined as an excess or abnormal fat accumulation that may impair health within children and adults...
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...Childhood Obesity’s Impact on Healthcare The current epidemic of childhood obesity spans the globe affecting the majority of the industrialized world (Trasande & Elbel, 2012). In the United States, this epidemic will have an increased negative impact on the healthcare delivery system if not addressed at every level of the community. The importance of understanding this issue and working towards solutions will make for healthier American children and ensure decreased health problems as our children grow into adults. This type of effort will ensure a reduction in unnecessary health problems and fiscal cost for every citizen that utilizes the U.S. healthcare delivery system. Healthcare managers throughout the nation must educate themselves on this issue and be a vital part of the solution. When is a Child Considered Obese? The most accurate way to determine obesity is through the Body Mass Index (BMI) and actual measuring of the body mass composition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Utilizing a height for weight and age chart doctors is capable of defining a child’s body mass index for his or her age (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The recommended BMI for a child’s age will determine if they are at a proper weight, overweight, or obese. Many families are unaware of this index and fail to understand where their child may be in accordance with medical guidelines. When discussing the standards for children age two to twenty, the average BMI...
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...‘Obesity is a social issue because of parenting and family issues rather than a food issue. What role do families play in the increasing level of obesity in Australian children?’ Childhood obesity levels are rising in many countries throughout the world, including Australia. Numerous studies of Australian, overweight children, have shown obesity has doubled in recent years with 20% - 25% of children now considered obese or overweight (Batch & Baur 2005, p.130). The health and social problems associated with obesity in children are numerous, pushing health practitioners and researchers to uncover solutions for this issue. While evidence points to many dissimilar rationales, much emphasis is being placed upon parents and their role in educating and providing children with effective lifestyle behaviours, focussed on gaining control of the obesity wave. This essay explores the parent’s responsibilities and influences on their child’s weight; through nutritional choices, physical activity and screen time (television, computer and video games), as well as marital status and parenting styles. It will also discuss research showing genetics to be a large portion of the illustration into the world of childhood obesity, and could be the exception to placing blame on the family. Treatment programs for obese children are taking into account parental influences of food choices within the family. Parents are exclusively accountable for the procurement and preparation of healthy...
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...Childhood Obesity: It’s a Family Issue Megan Ehrhart Statistical Concept for Research MAT 540 Professor Richard Smatt March 26, 2012 Introduction Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life. This runs true for teaching kids healthy eating habits as well. When parents themselves model good healthy eating habits along with teaching their children healthy habits the children grow up to be healthy adults. When parents are obese and engage their children in this unhealthy life style it is more likely that the children will grow obese and unhealthy and the cycle will continue with their children. Many children these days are allowed to have televisions in their bedrooms, play hours of video games, eat what and when they want and are not required to play outside or participate in extracurricular activities. The parents are doing the same things at home such as playing on the computer, watching television, cooking fast and unhealthy meals and not interacting in any physical activities with their children. All of these issues are factors in the weight gain of today’s youth and their parents. Parents need to take a bigger stand on healthy eating and exercise to prevent obesity. Obesity leads to many health problems and often early death which could be prevented in many cases. Statement of the Problem The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that obesity has more than tripled in the past thirty years (Center for Disease Control, para. 1). “ The...
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...Matthew Stark Sociology 422 Professor Bradshaw 5 May 2015 Childhood Obesity: Is there an elucidation? 1. Describe the Policy, Program or Topic: The growth in childhood obesity over the past several decades, together with the associated health problems and costs, is raising serious concern among health care professionals, policy experts, children’s advocates, and parents. Childhood obesity is defined “in terms of body mass index (BMI), which in turn is defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared” (Anderson). According to the Obesity Action Coalition “a child is defined as “affected by obesity” if their body mass index-for-age (or BMI-for-age) percentile is greater than 95 percent. A child is defined as “overweight” if their BMI-for-age percentile is greater than 85 percent and less than 95 percent.” BMI has become the frontrunner for measuring a child’s weight condition, but only a physician can best determine and diagnoses weight status in children. Obesity is not just a problem in the United States but around the world as well. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey have been recording overweight and obesity in children since the early 1960’s. During 1971–74 about five percent of children aged two to nineteen years were obese but it has increase significantly throughout the years. By 1980 and 1988-94, the numbers nearly doubled in children and between the years of 1998-2002, nearly fifteen percent of United States children have become...
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... What are some effects of child obesity? Child obesity has become an epidemic problem that is affecting the whole world. In the U.S, obesity has caused children many health problems and conditions. Some of the health problems that obesity causes are diabetes, asthma and heart diseases. These complications can be caused by a series of factors that can be contributed by TV, computer games, lack of safe playgrounds and other factors that encourage children to be sedentary (Collins, 2002). From the factors mentioned before, the things that are attacking the kids of this generation are mainly the video and computer games. In addition to affecting the health of the kids it is also affecting the economy. Because the costs of health insurance premiums are going up, companies refuse to pay for such services. In addition child obesity is an issue that in most cases begins in the household. Justification: Studies show the impact that child obesity has caused in society. (CBS News, 2002) declared “A dramatic increase in diabetes and other diseases related to childhood obesity in the United States has added millions of dollars to health care cost”. From that article it is clear that child obesity is causing a tremendous problem to the economy, thus making it insufficient. The cost of medicine, treatments and operation is the reason why it is causing and contributing to the economical problems. Obesity has been a major cause for conditions...
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