Essay On Childhood Obesity Epidemic
The Child Obesity Epidemic
The epidemic of childhood obesity is fierce. The problem is scattered all around the nation from the east coast to the west. Hispanics, Åfrican Americans, Whites, males, females, are all prone to obesity. For the past few years this issue has caught more attention to people around the country. Nearly 18% of children in America are obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The number of overweight or obese children continues to grow throughout the country. Lance Armstrong stated “If we don't somehow stem the tide of childhood obesity, we're going to have a huge problem.”
The youth is experiencing concerning health problems, a lack of physical activity, major health care costs, depression and self-esteem …show more content…
issues because of this epidemic they are having to face. Obesity rates have more than tripled in the United States, and struggles with some of the highest obesity rates in the world. Tom Vilsack believes that a whole generation is at risk because of the obesity epidemic, and according to David Murdock, obesity is running around America everywhere. One out of six children are obese, about 12.7 million children in America (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) . Darrell Hammond believes “Given that the biggest rise in childhood obesity rates are occurring in children ages 3 to 5 years, we must modify our efforts to place an emphasis on prevention versus intervention.” Darrell is right. Obesity is now the number one health concern with parents, topping smoking, and drugs (Overweight in Children). Nearly seventeen percent of children in America are obese, and that number has held steady for many years, and will continue to rise (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Only two percent of children eat a healthy diet on a regular basis, that means most children are eating an unhealthy meal almost everyday (Blank Children's Hospital). By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity.
Twenty-five percent of children do not participate in a physical activity (10 surprising facts about childhood obesity).
The recommended time for a physical activity is at least sixty minutes a day. Lee Haney states “Exercise is one of the best ways in preventing the rapid growth of obesity in America.” Physical activity helps to burn off calories, and to create a healthier lifestyle. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey agrees that the causes of obesity are diverse and complex, but the lack of daily physical activity is an important factor of what causes obesity. Exercise will help strengthen bones, decrease blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, increase self esteem, and help to control weight. Children who are not participating in physical activity are more prone to having health concerns. Children are more likely for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure (Childhood Obesity Facts). “We are beginning to see a number of serious medical disorders occurring in our children that were previously seen only in adults…all associated with obesity. As a result, this may be the first generation that may not live longer than their parents” (Dr. Phil McGraw). As children grow up as adults, and are still facing obesity they are prone to get heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer, and osteoarthritis. Magnus Scheving thinks by getting kids moving will play a key factor in overcoming obesity, and will help to prevent health …show more content…
problems. Children today do not realize that what they eat as a kid will affect them later on in life. In today’s society, people like to eat in front of the television, but what they do not know is that they are more likely to gain weight (10 surprising facts about childhood obesity). Children should be limited to no more than two hours a day to “screen time” that includes television, video games, and the internet. Instead of playing a video game, children should be encouraged to go get involved in physical activity, or play a fun activity (Overweight in Children). “300,000 Americans die needlessly each year from diseases and healthy conditions related to sedentary lifestyle or poor eating habits.” (Tommy Thompson, Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Many people do not realize that obesity is a life threatening disease. Health care costs for childhood obesity reach about 14 billion dollars every year (Blank Children's Hospital). It will approximately cost $19,000 per child with obesity problems to get the proper medical help that they will need (Over a Lifetime). Not only does it cost a lot of money to be obese, but people are risking their life expectancy at the minimum of five years. Just by eating a proper meal, and getting physical activity somone could prevent obesity, save money, and have a longer life expectancy. With childhood obesity comes self esteem issues, and depression. Many kids get teased or bullied over their weight. Make Hyman believes “Children with obesity and diabetes live harder poorer lives, they often don't finish school and earn much less than their healthy counterparts.”
Studies have shown that obese kids will miss school four times more often than most kids (10 Surprising Facts About Childhood Obesity). There are a number of factors as to why they would want to skip school such as fear of getting bullied, or embarrassed when participating in physical activity. Researchers have found with self esteem issues risky behaviors are likely to occur, such as smoking, and drinking alcohol (Obesity Plus Low Self Esteem). Depression can take a toll on obese children. Jane Velez-Mitchell agrees that every aspect of people's lives is affected by obesity. The child may feel as if he or she does not belong anywhere or feel like an outcast compared to other people. They may feel lonely, and may not describe their self as being “cool”. After months or even years the child may feel sad or depressed all the time, and withdraw into him or herself (Obesity Plus Low Self Esteem). Children may turn to food for comfort, adding more calories to their diet. If the child becomes depressed, they may lose interest in activities, have a lack of sleep, and cry many times throughout the day. Being depressed as a child is just as serious as being depressed as an adult. Parents of obese children who are depressed should contact a local doctor and get medical help as the child could become worse. There are many ways to prevent childhood obesity.
Parents should not make their children finish their plate of food (Prevent Childhood Obesity). If the child says they are full the parents should listen to the child. Lisa Ling states “It is said that the way to prevent obesity is not to allow kids to become overweight in the first place. But it takes a multi-pronged approach that has to start with parents. Kids are just too young to understand the consequences of obesity.” Parents should encourage their kids to eat healthy meals. Many parents tell their children to finish their plates, but they do not realize they are putting their kids in jeopardy of becoming obese. David Murdock states “By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity.” Providing plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and nonfat or low-fat dairy products. Limiting sugary beverages, sweets, sodium, and saturated fat can help children to prevent obesity (Preventing Childhood Obesity) . Kids should be encouraged to get involved in physical activity, such as running, swimming, dancing, anything to get exercise (Preventing Childhood Obesity). Childhood obesity is continuing to grow, and people could prevent it from becoming a huge epidemic if they would follow a few simple steps to make a healthier lifestyle. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey states that “Progress among the youngest children is especially important because we know that preventing obesity at an early
age helps young people maintain a healthy weight into adulthood.” Parents who are trying to prevent their kids from becoming obese will help their kids maintain a good, healthy lifestyle.
Childhood obesity is a serious disease, and many children are trying to fight the battle of obesity. Diane Abbott agrees that tackling the issue of obesity is key. The epidemic is all over the United States, and continues to grow. The problem is due to dietary problems that many children are having to face. Obesity could be slowing down if more people were aware of the issue, and were aware of the causes that obesity could lead to. Marcus Samuelsson believes that society struggles with eating healthy, obesity, and having access to good nutrition, but that people have opportunities to get on the right side to this battle.
Parents should enforce a healthy lifestyle for their children. Children should learn about obesity at an early age, and be aware of what the consequences are such as serious health problems. Bob Filner states “Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating.” Parental involvement plays a major role in preventing this epidemic. People all over the United States should focus more on this problem. If people would be more aware childhood obesity may decrease, and society all over the country could live a healthier lifestyle. Jeenie Garth says it is more important than ever to feed kids healthy food, but to also teach them healthy choices. Kids could live a healthy life, avoid health problems, lower healthcare costs, and have a higher self esteem by getting educated on what eating unhealthy does to the human body. S. Jay Olshansky believes “Fixing obesity is going to require a change in our modern relationship with food. I'm hopeful that we begin to see a turnaround in this childhood obesity epidemic.”
Bibliography
Cevallos, Marissa. "TV Fast-food Ads Encourage Childhood Obesity, Pediatricians Say." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2011. Web. 24 Oct. 2015.
"Childhood Obesity." Complications. Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2015. .
"Childhood Obesity Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 June 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Child Obesity." Obesity Prevention Source. N.p., 20 Oct. 2012. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. .
Frankenfield, RN Gay. "Obesity Plus Low Self-Esteem May Lead to Risky Behavior in Teens." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
Firger, Jessica. "Severe Childhood Obesity on the Rise in U.S., Study Shows." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 7 Apr. 2014. Web. 24 Oct. 2015.
Kaufman, Francine Ratner. Diabesity: The Obesity-diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America--and What We Must Do to Stop It. New York: Bantam, 2005. Print.
"Over a Lifetime, Childhood Obesity Costs $19,000 Per Child." Duke Global Health Institute. N.p., 4 Apr. 2014. Web. 3 Nov. 2015. .
"Over Weight In Children." American Heart Association. N.p., 17 Aug. 2015. Web. 24 Oct. 2015. .
"10 Surprising Facts About Childhood Obesity." Www.unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/. Blank Childrens Hospital, 4 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.
The epidemic of childhood obesity is fierce. The problem is scattered all around the nation from the east coast to the west. Hispanics, Åfrican Americans, Whites, males, females, are all prone to obesity. For the past few years this issue has caught more attention to people around the country. Nearly 18% of children in America are obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The number of overweight or obese children continues to grow throughout the country. Lance Armstrong stated “If we don't somehow stem the tide of childhood obesity, we're going to have a huge problem.”
The youth is experiencing concerning health problems, a lack of physical activity, major health care costs, depression and self-esteem …show more content…
issues because of this epidemic they are having to face. Obesity rates have more than tripled in the United States, and struggles with some of the highest obesity rates in the world. Tom Vilsack believes that a whole generation is at risk because of the obesity epidemic, and according to David Murdock, obesity is running around America everywhere. One out of six children are obese, about 12.7 million children in America (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) . Darrell Hammond believes “Given that the biggest rise in childhood obesity rates are occurring in children ages 3 to 5 years, we must modify our efforts to place an emphasis on prevention versus intervention.” Darrell is right. Obesity is now the number one health concern with parents, topping smoking, and drugs (Overweight in Children). Nearly seventeen percent of children in America are obese, and that number has held steady for many years, and will continue to rise (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Only two percent of children eat a healthy diet on a regular basis, that means most children are eating an unhealthy meal almost everyday (Blank Children's Hospital). By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity.
Twenty-five percent of children do not participate in a physical activity (10 surprising facts about childhood obesity).
The recommended time for a physical activity is at least sixty minutes a day. Lee Haney states “Exercise is one of the best ways in preventing the rapid growth of obesity in America.” Physical activity helps to burn off calories, and to create a healthier lifestyle. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey agrees that the causes of obesity are diverse and complex, but the lack of daily physical activity is an important factor of what causes obesity. Exercise will help strengthen bones, decrease blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, increase self esteem, and help to control weight. Children who are not participating in physical activity are more prone to having health concerns. Children are more likely for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure (Childhood Obesity Facts). “We are beginning to see a number of serious medical disorders occurring in our children that were previously seen only in adults…all associated with obesity. As a result, this may be the first generation that may not live longer than their parents” (Dr. Phil McGraw). As children grow up as adults, and are still facing obesity they are prone to get heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer, and osteoarthritis. Magnus Scheving thinks by getting kids moving will play a key factor in overcoming obesity, and will help to prevent health …show more content…
problems. Children today do not realize that what they eat as a kid will affect them later on in life. In today’s society, people like to eat in front of the television, but what they do not know is that they are more likely to gain weight (10 surprising facts about childhood obesity). Children should be limited to no more than two hours a day to “screen time” that includes television, video games, and the internet. Instead of playing a video game, children should be encouraged to go get involved in physical activity, or play a fun activity (Overweight in Children). “300,000 Americans die needlessly each year from diseases and healthy conditions related to sedentary lifestyle or poor eating habits.” (Tommy Thompson, Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Many people do not realize that obesity is a life threatening disease. Health care costs for childhood obesity reach about 14 billion dollars every year (Blank Children's Hospital). It will approximately cost $19,000 per child with obesity problems to get the proper medical help that they will need (Over a Lifetime). Not only does it cost a lot of money to be obese, but people are risking their life expectancy at the minimum of five years. Just by eating a proper meal, and getting physical activity somone could prevent obesity, save money, and have a longer life expectancy. With childhood obesity comes self esteem issues, and depression. Many kids get teased or bullied over their weight. Make Hyman believes “Children with obesity and diabetes live harder poorer lives, they often don't finish school and earn much less than their healthy counterparts.”
Studies have shown that obese kids will miss school four times more often than most kids (10 Surprising Facts About Childhood Obesity). There are a number of factors as to why they would want to skip school such as fear of getting bullied, or embarrassed when participating in physical activity. Researchers have found with self esteem issues risky behaviors are likely to occur, such as smoking, and drinking alcohol (Obesity Plus Low Self Esteem). Depression can take a toll on obese children. Jane Velez-Mitchell agrees that every aspect of people's lives is affected by obesity. The child may feel as if he or she does not belong anywhere or feel like an outcast compared to other people. They may feel lonely, and may not describe their self as being “cool”. After months or even years the child may feel sad or depressed all the time, and withdraw into him or herself (Obesity Plus Low Self Esteem). Children may turn to food for comfort, adding more calories to their diet. If the child becomes depressed, they may lose interest in activities, have a lack of sleep, and cry many times throughout the day. Being depressed as a child is just as serious as being depressed as an adult. Parents of obese children who are depressed should contact a local doctor and get medical help as the child could become worse. There are many ways to prevent childhood obesity.
Parents should not make their children finish their plate of food (Prevent Childhood Obesity). If the child says they are full the parents should listen to the child. Lisa Ling states “It is said that the way to prevent obesity is not to allow kids to become overweight in the first place. But it takes a multi-pronged approach that has to start with parents. Kids are just too young to understand the consequences of obesity.” Parents should encourage their kids to eat healthy meals. Many parents tell their children to finish their plates, but they do not realize they are putting their kids in jeopardy of becoming obese. David Murdock states “By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity.” Providing plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and nonfat or low-fat dairy products. Limiting sugary beverages, sweets, sodium, and saturated fat can help children to prevent obesity (Preventing Childhood Obesity) . Kids should be encouraged to get involved in physical activity, such as running, swimming, dancing, anything to get exercise (Preventing Childhood Obesity). Childhood obesity is continuing to grow, and people could prevent it from becoming a huge epidemic if they would follow a few simple steps to make a healthier lifestyle. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey states that “Progress among the youngest children is especially important because we know that preventing obesity at an early
age helps young people maintain a healthy weight into adulthood.” Parents who are trying to prevent their kids from becoming obese will help their kids maintain a good, healthy lifestyle.
Childhood obesity is a serious disease, and many children are trying to fight the battle of obesity. Diane Abbott agrees that tackling the issue of obesity is key. The epidemic is all over the United States, and continues to grow. The problem is due to dietary problems that many children are having to face. Obesity could be slowing down if more people were aware of the issue, and were aware of the causes that obesity could lead to. Marcus Samuelsson believes that society struggles with eating healthy, obesity, and having access to good nutrition, but that people have opportunities to get on the right side to this battle.
Parents should enforce a healthy lifestyle for their children. Children should learn about obesity at an early age, and be aware of what the consequences are such as serious health problems. Bob Filner states “Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating.” Parental involvement plays a major role in preventing this epidemic. People all over the United States should focus more on this problem. If people would be more aware childhood obesity may decrease, and society all over the country could live a healthier lifestyle. Jeenie Garth says it is more important than ever to feed kids healthy food, but to also teach them healthy choices. Kids could live a healthy life, avoid health problems, lower healthcare costs, and have a higher self esteem by getting educated on what eating unhealthy does to the human body. S. Jay Olshansky believes “Fixing obesity is going to require a change in our modern relationship with food. I'm hopeful that we begin to see a turnaround in this childhood obesity epidemic.”
Bibliography
Cevallos, Marissa. "TV Fast-food Ads Encourage Childhood Obesity, Pediatricians Say." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2011. Web. 24 Oct. 2015.
"Childhood Obesity." Complications. Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2015. .
"Childhood Obesity Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 June 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Child Obesity." Obesity Prevention Source. N.p., 20 Oct. 2012. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. .
Frankenfield, RN Gay. "Obesity Plus Low Self-Esteem May Lead to Risky Behavior in Teens." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
Firger, Jessica. "Severe Childhood Obesity on the Rise in U.S., Study Shows." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 7 Apr. 2014. Web. 24 Oct. 2015.
Kaufman, Francine Ratner. Diabesity: The Obesity-diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America--and What We Must Do to Stop It. New York: Bantam, 2005. Print.
"Over a Lifetime, Childhood Obesity Costs $19,000 Per Child." Duke Global Health Institute. N.p., 4 Apr. 2014. Web. 3 Nov. 2015. .
"Over Weight In Children." American Heart Association. N.p., 17 Aug. 2015. Web. 24 Oct. 2015. .
"10 Surprising Facts About Childhood Obesity." Www.unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/. Blank Childrens Hospital, 4 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.