Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity Risks

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. 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 (WHO). According to this, measures must be taken immediately to combat this epidemic and its impact (Kopelman, 2005).

The number of overweight children is growing. Between 1981 and 1996 the percentage of overweight boys increased by 92% and increased by 57% for girls. In Quebec, it is estimated that between 10% and 15% of children are obese. This document presents the definition of obesity in children, consequences and causes, tips and Internet links on the topic (Kopelman, 2005).

Literature Review

Obesity is generally defined by a weight representing over 20% of healthy weight, which is calculated according to body mass index (weight / height). In children 0-36 months, using the growth curve to see if weight is excessive or too low.

Curve of the boys from 0 to 36 months

Curve for girls from 0 to 36 months

The body mass index (BMI), as measured for adults, is not adequate for children and adolescents since the breakdown of fatty tissues is evolving during growth and is not the same for boys and girls. An index was developed specifically for children taking into account the age and sex. By visiting the following link, you can calculate your child's BMI (2-20 years) (Bessesen, 2008).

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excess fat, which can be created in early age in life and is difficult to reverse; therefore its prevalence increases with increasing age. Due to social, economic and biological factors, it has been observed that the causes, consequences and solutions of the problem, and etiology genetic determinants involved birth, social and cultural factors. However, the greatest impact on excessive fat is due to the change in the pattern power together with a sedentary lifestyle, which is influenced by the adoption of new cultural patterns. Obesity in children can reach too much health risks, which includes Type II diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many more.

Risks Of Obesity

A child who is overweight will not automatically be obese in adulthood. However, several studies suggest that after the age of 8, there is indeed a link between the child's weight and weight in adulthood.

Several health risks are associated with overweight in children, including, among others:

Hypertension;

The increase in triglycerides (blood fat), thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease;

Diabetes;

Joint problems (knees, for example) that may limit sports activities;

The sleep apnea syndrome (for severely obese children), boils down to poor sleep and daytime sleepiness, which can lead to problems of education by reducing the capacity of memory and attention; (Janssen, Craig, Boyce, Pickett, 2004)

Some studies have shown a link between obesity and some forms of cancer;

In addition to these physical problems, overweight children are often rejected from other children and are more likely to have poor ...