Excess Body Fat In Adolescents
Dalya Abu-Ghannam
02/10/13
PED 116
Excess Body Fat
Statistics tell us that the younger obesity begins, the more it is likely for the adolescent to remain obese as an adult. Estimates show that genetic contribution to obesity varies widely from about 5 to 40% of offspring. Although genes play a heavy role in body fat distribution, not all children of obese parents become obese. At the same time, a child with healthy weight parents can become obese as well. Both nature and nurture have an affect on maintaining or the gain of weight.
Fat is not only a harming and unfavorable, it has plenty of beneficial characteristics as well. Fat can be classified as essential or storage. As stated in the book; “Essential fat is necessary for normal
body functioning, it includes fats in the brain, muscles, nerves, bones, lungs, heart and digestive and reproductive systems.” (Hopson, Donatelle, Littrell 216) Moreover, storage fat is stored around major body organs that ultimately provide energy, insulation and padding. Genetics are influential to body fat and may be the make-up of a person’s obesity.
Body composition varies depending on gender. Although the main components are all the same, the amount of distribution differs amongst men and women. Typically, whatever component women have more of, men have less of it, and vice versa. For example, muscle is 45% of a man’s body composition whereas it is 36% of a woman’s. That being said, it is more likely that the weight a woman gains is that of fat rather than muscle.
Factors that contribute to excess body fat include, but are not limited to, the following: genetic instability, metabolism (resting metabolic rate), and a variety of social and behavior factors. Obesity is associated with family conditions, easy availability, and patterns of leisure, only to name a very few. How can it become out of control? High fat intake, excess alcohol intake, and preference for sugar, fat-rich foods are likely to contribute to obesity. Fat that builds up around the stomach is known as the “apple shape” because it gives roundness in and around the abdominal area, whereas individuals that have fat build up mainly around the waist are classified as “pear shaped.” Ones waist size affect’s risk of health problems.
Healthy lifestyles are often neglected because it is so much easier today to be lazy and become obese and get away with it. But to look at this situation and disease from a health related standpoint, other diseases including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallstones, Coronary Heart Disease, stroke, and sleep apnea. Children suffering obesity have the same risks and are likely to suffer from many of the same long-term health problems.
Childhood obesity isn’t a disease that should be taken lightly. Because it is increasing significantly, more attention has been brought amongst health care professionals about the possibilities of complications due to lack of a healthy lifestyle. Eventually, and if not monitored, it can result in heart disease, type 2 diabetes, disability in adulthood, and premature death. The Center for Disease Control works hand in hand with organizations and people to promote prevention of diseases, including obesity.
Bibliography
http://healthandfitnessbay.blogspot.com/2010/08/factors-contributing-to-excess-body-fat.html
http://www.neccy.com/what-factors-can-encourage-excess-body-fat-stores-and-obesity-how-does-that-happen~173
Textbook “Get Fit Stay Well, Second edition brief edition. By Janet L. Hopson Rebecca J. Donatelle, Tanya R. Littrell”
02/10/13
PED 116
Excess Body Fat
Statistics tell us that the younger obesity begins, the more it is likely for the adolescent to remain obese as an adult. Estimates show that genetic contribution to obesity varies widely from about 5 to 40% of offspring. Although genes play a heavy role in body fat distribution, not all children of obese parents become obese. At the same time, a child with healthy weight parents can become obese as well. Both nature and nurture have an affect on maintaining or the gain of weight.
Fat is not only a harming and unfavorable, it has plenty of beneficial characteristics as well. Fat can be classified as essential or storage. As stated in the book; “Essential fat is necessary for normal
body functioning, it includes fats in the brain, muscles, nerves, bones, lungs, heart and digestive and reproductive systems.” (Hopson, Donatelle, Littrell 216) Moreover, storage fat is stored around major body organs that ultimately provide energy, insulation and padding. Genetics are influential to body fat and may be the make-up of a person’s obesity.
Body composition varies depending on gender. Although the main components are all the same, the amount of distribution differs amongst men and women. Typically, whatever component women have more of, men have less of it, and vice versa. For example, muscle is 45% of a man’s body composition whereas it is 36% of a woman’s. That being said, it is more likely that the weight a woman gains is that of fat rather than muscle.
Factors that contribute to excess body fat include, but are not limited to, the following: genetic instability, metabolism (resting metabolic rate), and a variety of social and behavior factors. Obesity is associated with family conditions, easy availability, and patterns of leisure, only to name a very few. How can it become out of control? High fat intake, excess alcohol intake, and preference for sugar, fat-rich foods are likely to contribute to obesity. Fat that builds up around the stomach is known as the “apple shape” because it gives roundness in and around the abdominal area, whereas individuals that have fat build up mainly around the waist are classified as “pear shaped.” Ones waist size affect’s risk of health problems.
Healthy lifestyles are often neglected because it is so much easier today to be lazy and become obese and get away with it. But to look at this situation and disease from a health related standpoint, other diseases including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallstones, Coronary Heart Disease, stroke, and sleep apnea. Children suffering obesity have the same risks and are likely to suffer from many of the same long-term health problems.
Childhood obesity isn’t a disease that should be taken lightly. Because it is increasing significantly, more attention has been brought amongst health care professionals about the possibilities of complications due to lack of a healthy lifestyle. Eventually, and if not monitored, it can result in heart disease, type 2 diabetes, disability in adulthood, and premature death. The Center for Disease Control works hand in hand with organizations and people to promote prevention of diseases, including obesity.
Bibliography
http://healthandfitnessbay.blogspot.com/2010/08/factors-contributing-to-excess-body-fat.html
http://www.neccy.com/what-factors-can-encourage-excess-body-fat-stores-and-obesity-how-does-that-happen~173
Textbook “Get Fit Stay Well, Second edition brief edition. By Janet L. Hopson Rebecca J. Donatelle, Tanya R. Littrell”