Today’s society has been faced with the never ending problem of obesity. Many would blame this problem of obesity in America to poor genetics, unhealthy eating habits, and even lack of physical fitness. After viewing this paper and reviewing these credible sources the reader will have a better understanding as to why individuals become obese. All sources in this paper have been written, reviewed, and critiqued by credible individuals.…
According to the U,S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States over the past 20 years. Obesity epidemic has affected every part of the world. When speaking about United States, more than 72 million adults are obese and there is not a single state that has an obesity rate less than 15 % (CDC Vitalsigns 2010). Among all Americans Obesity has been directly linked to hypertension, diabetes, cancer, depression and many other health problems. Each year, approximately 400.000 deaths result from obesity and its complications and costs the national economy nearly $122.9 billion annually (Menifield 2008). In addition, as of 2004, the proportion of obese adults in the U,S. reached 32% of the total population. Among adolescents, obesity has increased to 17.1% of the population between the 1999-2004 periods (Menifield 2008). This increase in prevalence has made obesity a threat to public health in United States. There are various reasons of obesity such as behavior, environment and genetic factors. One of the causes of obesity is energy imbalance. This means eating too many calories compared to physical activity. As we know that, nowadays people spend more time watching T.V and playing video games. Moreover food portion size has also increased not only at home but also in many restaurants. In addition, environment and behavior play a large role causing people to be overweight. People make decision base on their culture, values and beliefs. For example, in some culture it is not important for women to exercise or women are not allowed to go for a walk. Many community lack sidewalks, parks and public activity area and that may influence their activity level. Science indicates that genetics shows a role in obesity. Genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi…
Since 1980, obese children in America have more than tripled in rate. Approximately one out of three American children is affected by obesity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Many factors contribute to this epidemic outcome. The following paragraphs will explore these factors such as how the disease is caused and what causes the disease in American children. This research paper will also present how to prevent and control obesity in children, the rise of cost of medical bills, and how being obese can affect the human body mentally and physically.…
Childhood obesity is considered to have more than doubled in the past 30 years. There can be many reasons why a child is obese, lack of physical activity and poor nutritional meals are just the first ones that we think of. The lack of exercise and the consumption of unhealthy, fattening and sugary foods, is usually the cause of obesity. In the United States children anywhere from 6 years old to 11 years old has increased form 7% in the 1980s to about 18% in 2012 (Staff). According to the government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors. And Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.” But obesity is not only about the way the child looks, it can cause many short and long term health issues. Some of which can be a great threat to their lives, like…
There are several factors that may contribute to childhood obesity. In an article on Children’s Physical Activity and Obesity it states that; “[…] the effects of parenting, the home environment, and developmental and psychological factors on diet, obesity, and physical activity have received significant attention” (Luisa Franzini, PhD, 2oo9). From this attention, new research and developments are achieved. The number of children who experience overweight is growing at an alarming rate in recent times. According to an article on overweight and obesity, 1 out of 3 children are considered overweight or obese (Kids Health, 2009). Research has shown that overweight and obesity leads to health issues, some of which can be fatal. Moreover, the CDC states; “Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease” (Healthy Youth, 2010). Further, experiencing overweight in childhood presents a greater possibility of experiencing overweight in adulthood. According to the CDC, obese youth are more likely to…
The damaging effects on a child’s physical and mental health are two of the main aspects that are associated with childhood obesity. This condition is at epidemic proportions in the United States. (Henry and Martin, 13-6) Childhood obesity is a condition where a child weights more than the normal weight for a child their age. There are several factors that cause this condition such as food choices, lack of physical activities, and genetic factors. These factors will in turn lead to the different effects on a child’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic that affects all cultures. In order to fight this epidemic, a better understanding of the causes and effects of childhood obesity is needed.…
Childhood obesity has become a major problem in America. Obesity is a bigger threat in children than it was in the past. Obesity contribute too many of the physical and psychological disorders seem in children. Children are more likely to become overweight adults if they do not practice good eating habits and exercise. Over the past few years, obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate due to technology, unhealthy food choices and lack of physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. “The percentage of children aged 6 to 11 years who were obese in 1980 was 7 percent and by 2012 it had grown to 18 percent. The percentage of adolescents…
One in every three children born in the year 2000 is expected to develop diabetes in his or her lifetime.(4E) Is this surprising? In America all we worry about is food at our convince. Because most Americans are always on the go. As statics are showing childhood obesity is rapidly increasing all over the world. Why is this becoming such a pressing issue when it can be stopped or at least have precautions taken.…
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. The NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) conducted research in 2010 and found that 22.8% of children between 5-17 years of age were classified as overweight or obese (Health NSW, 2012).…
Obesity, especially in children, is growing at an alarming rate. Today 1 in 3 children is considered obese or overweight. When children start their lives by eating junk food it is more than likely they will continue this habit throughout adulthood. This causes an increase in the severity of the disease as well as some diseases one can get from becoming obese. Several complications accompany obesity. A few common complications include the following: risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes type II, cancer, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Other complications are a greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor…
Public health experts agree that overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in this country and around the world. More than a third of U.S. adults are obese. People ages 60 and older are more likely to be obese than younger adults, according to the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. And the problem also affects children. One out of five, or 17 percent, of U.S. children ages 6 to 19 are obese. (John Hopkins University )…
Childhood obesity in America is growing at an alarming rate. In 2011, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between years 1980 and 2008, childhood obesity increased tremendously. In children aged 6 to 11 years old, childhood obesity increased from 7% to nearly 20%. Just as astonishing, were the obesity rates for adolescence children during that same period. In adolescent children aged 12 to 19, obesity rates rose from 5% to 18%. That is more than 3 times the rate in almost 30 years (CDC, 2011). Most people understand the concept of obesity. Basically, the amount of calories you consume far outweighs the amount of calories you burn off. Sounds easy, but if that is true, then why are kids these days, which are supposedly stronger and faster than we were at their age, so overweight. Some would argue that genetics is a major reason for childhood obesity. Others would say that it is a socioeconomic problem. Research will show that there are non-medical, self induced environmental factors that contribute to childhood obesity, the immediate and long term effects of childhood obesity and possible solutions to combat childhood obesity and maintain a healthy lifestyle.…
Childhood obesity is a serious health and societal issue. Rising at extreme rates, one may call it an epidemic. Childhood obesity increases incidences of mortality later in life, causes asthma and type II diabetes, which was only found in adults. With these ill effects, childhood obesity is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Over the last fifteen years, obesity in children has increased fifty percent. While the cause of this is equivocal, and heredity may play a role, there are some contributing factors. The media, parents/caregivers, and schools are major influences which are, to some extent, responsible for this astounding inclination of obesity among children.…
Childhood obesity in America is a growing epidemic. Most would claim they know it is a problem in our country, yet every year there is an increase in the amount of obese children in the United States. The medical, physical, and psychological effects associated with obesity are astounding; nevertheless, processed, high calorie, low nutrient food is widely available and consumed on a regular basis by children. Parents, childcare providers, schools, and the community all need to aid in the cure and prevention of childhood obesity by providing healthy, nutritious food for children and encouraging daily exercise.…
Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue, with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. An attempt is made here to study the nature and causes of obesity in children. Initial focus is on the origins of obesity; how family eating patterns, environmental and lifestyle, genetic inheritance, are crucial factors. Lifestyle and eating habits play an important part in childhood obesity. The long-term effects of this social scourge are discussed, and possible solutions for prevention explored. Firstly, it is important to gain an understanding of what obesity is. According to Wlardlow (2000), obesity is defined as a condition characterized by excess body fat. It is also defined as the condition of a person being 20 percent above average weight. Generally speaking, consumption of foods high in sugar and fats lead to obesity. Alcohol intake can also contribute to the condition, due to its high sugar content. Obesity is a serious medical disease that affects 20-25 percent of children and adolescents in Australia. It is the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking (Fitzgerald, 2000). According to research, everyone has and needs fat tissue in their bodies. When there is too much body fat, the result is obesity (World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia, 1996). Obesity can be measured by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a mathematical calculation used to identify overweight and obesity in adults, children and adolescents. There are many factors that contribute to obesity, including lack of adequate physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, eating habits, environment, family habits and genetic inheritance (Vatta, 2000). The environment in which a child lives has a great effect on how healthy the child will be. A healthy environment that promotes a healthy diet is one that encourages consumption of nutritious foods in reasonable amounts, and regular physical activity. However, according to a recent survey, many…