Obesity is a major problem among a third of American adults today. Those who are labeled obese are anywhere from 10 to 50% more likely to die of all causes. Most people who are obese adults often were obese children. Childhood obesity has “tripled over the past 40 years” (McKeever). Babies who gain weight within the first six months of their lives are more likely to be obese toddlers and children than others. Parents need to be aware of the medical effects of obesity in their children, which can result in high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol (Gunnerson). Children not only face the medical effects of obesity but also the social effects for the rest of their lives. Children face ridicule and social ostracization from their peers because of their weight. Parents should learn to combat the obesity of their children with correct exercise and eating programs learned from a nutritionist. Speaking from the point of view of an obese child and adult it is possible to be healthy while being overweight. Being overweight can be hazardous to your health but if you’re going to be overweight it’s important to be active and exercise regularly.
A study conducted by Project Viva, an ongoing study of pregnant women and their children, measured for weight and height at birth, six months, and again at the age of 3. The recommended age to start assessing for childhood obesity is two years old (Gunnerson). There are genetic causes for obesity but the majority of childhood obesity is caused by overeating and lack of exercise. With the availability of fast food such as McDonald’s, Burger King and other chains on almost every corner how can obesity not be an American problem. Growing children need more calories and exercise than adults as their bodies develop, but those who eat too many calories often face the risk of becoming overweight (MayoClinic). Diet and calorie intake are the two greatest influences on a child’s body. Eating from vending machines, fast food, and high caloric food while leading a sedentary lifestyle unable to burn those calories off leads to obesity. And with the popularity of television and video games today, which advocate the sedentary lifestyle by sitting for hours at a time, is it any wonder that children do not go outside anymore.
Physical fitness programs in schools have been found to improve many aspects of children’s lives but does not prevent obesity. Such improvements are in blood pressure, muscle mass, bone mineral density, lung capacity and flexibility experienced by more than 18,000 students participating in the physical activity interventions at their schools. But these programs did nothing to reduce the body mass index of the students involved (McKeever). Socioeconomic factors play a role in the occurrence of childhood obesity due to the fact that children from poor families have less resources and time to prepare nutrient rich and healthy meals for their children and do not have the time to emphasize exercise as a family activity (Mayo Clinic).
Psychological factors and family factors also play a role in a child’s weight. Children often overeat in order to cope with problems, or deal with developing emotions. I always ate out of boredom when I was younger. And children usually have no say in what is bought at the grocery store. Parents are responsible for what their children eat, how much they eat, and what they do to work off what they eat. To prevent the obesity of children may require only minor changes. A study was done in Germany in which water fountains were installed in 32 schools located in poor areas of two German cities and then teachers presented lesson plans to second and third grade students about the benefits of water consumption. The study found that students who attended these schools were 31% less likely to become overweight than those who attended other schools (Gunnerson).
As stated before not all children who are carrying extra pounds are not overweight. Some children have larger body frames and children carry extra body weight at certain stages of development during their childhood and adolescence. If your child is in the 85th to 94 percentile for BMI then your child is overweight, but if your child is in the 95th percentile then your child is obese. When determining obesity doctors also take into account other factors such family history, child’s eating habits and activity level, and other health conditions of the child (Mayo Clinic). Obesity causes several health problems such as: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, liver diseases, eating disorders, and skin infections. This is the main reason why childhood obesity needs to be corrected before it reaches adulthood. Healthy habits can be taught in childhood that continue into adulthood, such as calorie intake, healthy eating and exercising habits. You can be overweight and still be healthy, but there the health problems that come from being overweight. Obesity should be combated at an early age in order to prevent health complications.
Works Cited
Gunnerson, Tate. 2009. Rapid Infant Weight Gain Linked to Childhood Obesity. ScoutNews, LLC. MSN Health & Fitness.
McKeever, Kevin. 2009. “School PE Programs Don’t Lower Child Obesity”. ScoutNews, LLC. MSN Health & Fitness.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2009.”Childhood Obesity”. Live Search Health.
