Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most pressing public health disorders confronting Western societies. It is a multifaceted problem in terms of its causes and consequences. Obesity is determined by genetic and environmental factors that are poorly understood. This paper aims to understand the childhood obesity and examine its causes and effects on children.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion5

Dangers of Childhood Obesity6

Obesity from Ethnic Perspective6

Importance of Interventions7

Role of Nursing in Obesity9

Obesity Risk Factors10

Conclusion11

References12

Childhood Obesity

Introduction

Childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States, and our children are falling victim to the obesity epidemic. It has been predicted that U.S. life expectancy will decline for the first time in recent history because of increasing childhood obesity (Gittelsohn & Kumar, 2007). Childhood obesity is a very serious condition as it predisposes young children to an increased risk of developing both chronic diseases and disabilities. Consequences of childhood obesity include increased risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type I and type II diabetes. With high costs of health care services and the detrimental results of this disease, childhood obesity imposes a burden not only on the family of the sick child but also places a burden on society.

The burden to society has been “predicted to reach 50 billion per year by 2050, based on current trends” (Shepherd, 2009). Typically, people think that there is a simple so1tiom for preventing childhood obesity: increase physical activity and obtain a healthier diet. However, the solution to childhood obesity is more than just exercise and a healthy diet. It requires children's behavioral change that consists of changing one's bad habits, taking into account the “interplay of genetics, biological processes, and social and environmental mechanisms” as well, (Huang & Horlick, 2007). Specifically, the greatest influence on a child's life may be their parents. However, little research has taken into consideration whether parents' background status would contribute to a child's obesity tendency.

Discussion

First important factor contributing to obesity is poor diet. Unhealthy, oily, and fast foods are reasons for the poor diet. Menu at schools and restaurants usually comprise of such food items that are mostly fried or fattening (Jimerson, 2008). Nowadays, each food item contains preservatives which are unhealthy too. There is too little option to switch and the food items offered are almost the same everywhere. This could be helped when the schools and the restaurant revise their menu and add healthy food such as salads, vegetables, fruits, etc.

Second factor contributing towards is watching television. It is making children obese because studies show that children tend to consume more food and especially fatty food while watching television. Apart from the consumption, watching television means no exercise. It is a substitute for children instead of outdoor games or exercises which would help increase their metabolism and physical activity (Smith, 1999).

Physical activity comes third in the contribution factor. The lifestyle in US is such that it includes very little of exercise. Children do not burn fat as they should do. They exercise little. They play little. Children have switched their tastes to video games, ...