Child Obesity in America

Child Obesity In America

Child Obesity In America Obesity in children is becoming an epidemic in America. Today, about one in three American kids and teens are suffering from being overweight or obese. The number of obese or overweight kids has tripled since 1963.(American Heart Association, 2013).Nearly 32 percent of American children are suffering from obesity or being overweight. Child obesity is now the number one health concern among parents in America. Obesity in children is causing a broad range of health problems that were not a concern until adulthood. Doctors are now seeing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels in children that are obese or over weight. Not only does being obese or overweight affect health but it also has psychological effects on children. Obese children are prone to have low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.( American Heart Association, 2013) . Excess weight at a young age is being linked to an earlier death rate in adulthood. Doctor Carmona Richard stated " Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents." Minority and low- income children are more likely to be affected by childhood obesity. Research shows that Hispanic and Black children are more likely to be at risk for being overweight and obese than white children. One in five black children ages 2 to 19 are obese, compared to one in seven white children.(Children's Defense Fund, 2012). Black and Latino children are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes, a disease that is becoming an epidemic and that is associated with being overweight and obese. The two major factors causing this epidemic among young children is a unhealthy diet and living a sedentary lifestyle. Today many kids eat a diet that is rich in sugars and fats instead of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Nearly one third of American children ages 4 to 19 eat fast food every day, resulting in about six extra pounds per year for each child ( Children's Defense Fund, 2012). A major factor to weight gain and obesity is sugar- sweetened beverages. These sugar sweetened beverages constitute nearly 11 percent of total calorie consumption a day. In just one 12oz soda there is 39 grams of sugar which can be a factor to the epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Too many young children are consuming too much sugar a day in their diet. Children who do not participate in sports or activities outside of school are more likely to become overweight or obese than children who participate in physical activities. Experts also state that children 6 to 19 should get 60 minutes of moderate vigorous activity 3-4 times a week, two- thirds of children do not meet this recommendation, and one- quarter of adolescents do not achieve this level on any day ( Children's Defense Fund, 2012). Most children these days rather spend their time watching television, on the computer, or playing video games instead of playing outside. Who's to blame for this epidemic? The children or can we blame the parents? The causes of obesity are complex and include genetics, biological, behavioral and cultural factors (American Academy OF Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, 2011). However if one parent is obese, there is a 50%o percent chance that their children will also be obese. If both parents are obese their children have an 80% chance of being obese. Medical disorders can cause obesity, less than one percent of all obesity is caused by physical problems (American Academy OF Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, 2011). The two major reasons for obesity and overweight kids is poor eating habits and lack of exercise starting at a young age. Being obese and overweight does just not cause health problems but also financial problems which has a major affect on our health care system. As parents we need to educated our youth and set good examples for their befit of their health. Everything we do in life starts at a young age if we can change our youth we can change our nation.

American heart Association, (Jan 16, 2013). Overweight in Children. Retrieved form www. heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/Overweight-in-Children_UCM_304054_Article.jsp

American Academy Of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, ( March 2011). Obesity In Children And Teens. Retrieved from //www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children and teens.

Children's Defense Fund ( March 2012). Childhood Obesity Retrieved from www.childrensdefense.org/policy-priorities/childrens-health/child-nutrition/childhood-obesity.html