June 10, 2012
Childhood Obesity: How to Stop it Before it Begins In the past 20 years childhood obesity has dramatically increased in the United States. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children between the ages of 2-19 are obese. (Putnam, 2012). Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child’s health or wellbeing. Unfortunately due to the rise of obesity in children it is being recognized as a serious public health concern. It is predicted that the United States life expectancy will decline for the first time in recent history, as a result of increasing childhood obesity. (Gittelsohn, Kumar, 2007, pg. 55). There are many ways that parents and caregivers …show more content…
(Putnam, 2012). It is extremely important to get a hold on childhood obesity before it begins. Obesity in children can have a huge impact on their body and health in many different ways. Children can develop breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma. They can get high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Children who are obese also have a higher chance of getting type II diabetes. Not only is child obesity not healthy for their bodies but also for their self-esteem. Children have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, which can continue into adulthood. Recently the majority of preventing childhood obesity is mainly in schools. They have changed dietary patterns, increased physical activity and they also have decreased activities that involve children sitting often. Unfortunately even with the schools changing some of their patterns, they have had little success in changing the child obesity …show more content…
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