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Childhood Obesity

Introduction

In the last twenty years, the prevalence of obesity in children has risen sharply, especially in more developed countries. The increase is explained primarily by the food poor and a sedentary lifestyle, and also by the conflicting relationship between parents and children regarding proper nutrition and psychological treatment. Obese children have a higher probability of having hypertension, diabetes, and greater risks to cancer (Keller, 187). Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excess fat, which can be establish an early age in life and is difficult to reverse, so that its prevalence increases with increasing age. The health consequences of being overweight are severe and lead to decreased longevity and quality of life. Overweight and obesity have become one of the most prevalent medical conditions affecting the well-being of children.

Thesis statement

Childhood obesity is a major public health concern worldwide so, we have to fight against this problem.

Discussion

Obesity affects individuals of all ages and sexes, showing a high prevalence in America, estimated in adults from 13% for men and 22.7% for women. Its frequency increases with age until about 60 years in both sexes and is consistently higher in women of all ages, especially those of lower socioeconomic status. It is also associated with a higher prevalence of chronic disease conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, psychiatric, arthritis and many other chronic diseases, which limit life expectancy, with increased cost of health for the population, which represents a serious public health problem worldwide (Fumento, 51).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity and overweight have reached epidemic characters worldwide. More one billion adults are overweight, including the least 300 million are obese. The problem is enhanced when consider the dire consequences that excess weight leads to health: Obesity can reduce life expectancy of a person to in 10 years and cause death and, from another angle, is a high economic burden to society.

The obese children may be ostracized by his comrades. Gradually, the child can close in on itself and exclude group activities. The short-term medical risks of childhood obesity are: - hyperinsulinemia;

Hypertriglyceridemia;

High blood pressure;

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease;

The risk of sleep apnea (very obese children);

Orthopedic and joint problems.

The data collected by the International Commission on Obesity (International Obesity Task Force) indicate that 22 million children worldwide under five years old are overweight or obese (Pool, 461). Childhood obesity has even moved to malnutrition as the main nutritional problem in parts of Africa and is now this, along with being overweight, four times more common than malnutrition. As the incidence of childhood obesity has increased more sequels have been identified for this disorder in children, including obstructive sleep apnea (episodes of stopped breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the airways), orthopedic problem , type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Psychological problems such as depression and decreased quality of life, are also serious consequences of obesity. Moreover, the negative bias, prejudice and discrimination are part of the ...