CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

Introduction

Obesity in children is a growing global problem. The problem has become so alarming that several international organizations studying the issue very seriously, including the World Health Organization. According to this, measures must be taken directly to combat this epidemic problem and its impact. In Canada, the number of overweight children is growing. Between 1981 and 1996, the percentage of chubby boys increased by 92% and girls increased by 57%. In Quebec, it has been estimated that between 10% and 15% of children are obese.

In addition to these physical problems, overweight children are often rejected from other children and are more likely to have poor self-esteem. In 2003 and 2004, 17.1% of U.S. children and adolescents were overweight and 32.2% of adults were obese. In the 1990s, the guidelines used to determine overweight and obese individuals was adjusted downward to include those with a BMI of 25-26; no adjustment is made for lean muscle mass. Obesity is commonly defined as being 20 percent over the midpoint of one's expected weight range (using the height weight charts) or above 30 on the BMI. Morbid obesity is defined as weighing almost twice the weight the chart says they should, or above 35 on the BMI. If the child is the 60th percentile, this result means that 60% of children of similar age and sex have a lower body mass index.

Furthermore, BMI is not a absolute measure and should be used in conjunction with other assessment measures such as the skin fold, the level of physical activity, diet and blood pressure. In Western countries, however, the canon of fashion holds that "thin is beautiful" and the great social pressure toward overweight people has led to a enormous industry for slimming products. Despite this social pressure to be thin, the prevalence of obesity is increasing dramatically. For many families, having a child fat, plump, and full of creases is quite an achievement as it shows a sign that the child is strong and full of health. On the other hand, their perception is wrong as this well being of a child can become a basic factor of obesity.

Significance of the Study

This study is important because it can spread awareness among the readers how big the problem of obesity is and what are the repercussions of childhood obesity. It has commonly been observed that parents of obese children are unaware of the problems associated with obesity and they do not consult a doctor, nor keep any check and balance on the child's eating habits. Sometimes the cause of obesity is not merely because of a diet containing excess fats and oils, but there could be other problems in the child's body like hormonal imbalance. Moreover, childhood obesity could also be hereditary in nature. Thus, it is extremely important to know the reasons which cause obesity in children and realize that childhood obesity is a big problem.

Aims and Objectives

The research has the following aims and objectives:

To understand the causes of child ...