Childhood Obesity

RUNNING HEAD: CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Childhood Obesity in America

Childhood Obesity in America

Childhood obesity is a very serious problem in America that seems to be going unaddressed. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one third of children in America are obese. As parents we are obligated to ensure our children stay active and eat a healthy diet. I have a long history of diabetes in my family and I am committed to ending it with my children. A dedicated approach to health and fitness coupled with a relentless pursuit of knowledge will allow us to lead our families into a healthy future. Based on information and statistical data from the American Heart Association (Healthy Kids, 2010), there is a connection between childhood obesity and poor health. Many of the health issues associated with childhood obesity are heart specific but other life threatening conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol are common as well. The American Heart Association website stresses the importance of diet and exercise in preventing childhood obesity. Although dieting is a viable option for weight loss it is strongly discouraged in very young children. The fact that they are rapidly growing means a diet could result in a lack of proper nutrition and energy therefore dieting should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Preparing healthy meals and including reducing sedentary activities is a safer approach to managing weight in younger children. According to the Center for Disease Control (Overweight and Obesity Data and Statistics), obesity in children has more than tripled in the United States in the last 30 years. This equates to one third of all children and adolescence in America being obese. This is an alarming trend as it paints a very morbid picture for the future of the nation. Obese children are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes than children who maintain a healthy weight. The culture in America has become one of sedentary fun and fast food. These have become the societal norms that children have accepted and grown to love. It is easy to eat junk food and play video games in an air conditioned room. Getting out and playing football in the yard or doing other activities that require sweat and physical exertion aren’t easy but they are healthy. Studies show that a consistent exercise regimen coupled with good dietary practices will result in a healthier you. The New York State Department of Health (Preventing Childhood Obesity, 2012) suggests that parents should encourage and participate in physical activities with their children. Activities such as walking or bicycling are fun family activities that could lead to a healthier family. By promoting a healthy lifestyle we are not only saving our children we are educating them in a way that could bring about generational change. My father used to say that most things that are good to you are not good for you. These were his words but they stood in stark contrast to his actions. He was moderately overweight and loved the most unhealthy foods available. As a young child he was fed a very poor diet because his parents were poor and unable to afford fresh fruits and vegetables or the lean cuts of meat. So when he became a father he basically used the example that his parents set and I was exposed to the same poor diet. Luckily my childhood weight issues didn't result in any long term health problems or problems with my social development. I did, however, struggle with self esteem issues that I have since overcome. One of the key tools in determining whether or not a child is obese is the Body mass index (BMI). This tool is a measure used to determine overweight and obesity levels. It is calculated using a weight and a height. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but it serves as an accurate indicator of the amount of fatness the body has. Using BMI in children will give parents and health professionals an assessment of the child's condition. The BMI calculator used for children is different than the one used for adults because children's body composition varies as they age and varies between boys and girls. In children, a BMI rating between 85% and 95% suggests that the child is overweight. A reading above 95% is an indicator that the child is obese. We can use these readings to point us in the right direction where planning for treatment of obesity is concerned. Being healthy and fit directly effects the socialization and esteem of children which ultimately influences their adult lives. Studies show that 80% of obese children will remain obese for their entire lives. this is alarming. Although it’s illegal and immoral, employment and social discrimination are often byproducts of obesity. The instances of weight based discrimination and bias are up more than 60% since 1990 and is now comparable to racial inequalities in America. It is an appalling reality that just because our children may be obese they could be denied employment or equal opportunity in society. Although the kids may hate it parents must force them to get out and be active. Another thing we can control as parents is the diet of our children. Taking the time to plan and prepare a good healthy meal is more time consuming and a little less convenient but it can have a lifelong impact on children. Finding time to plan and participate in healthy activities with our children can make a world of difference. Our children will typically follow the example we set. If we are consistent and relentless in our commitment to healthy living they are more likely to follow suit. If we as parents create a culture where proper diet and exercise is the norm our children are more likely to carry this with them as they become adults and start families of their own. This is the type of continuity we need to not only influence the future or our families but to also improve the future of our nation.
Childhood Obesity

Over Weight and Obesity Data and Statistics, Center for Disease Control, retrieved December 8, 2012, from www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.
Healthy Kids, American Heart Association, Retrieved December 8, 2012, from www.heart.org/.../Obesity/Childhood
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Tips For Parents, Retrieved December 7, 2012, from www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/resources/obparnts.htm