Childhood Obesity in America

Introduction Childhood obesity is a health-based concern that has continually affected a considerable percentage of children in the 21st century. In the United States, approximately 21-24% of adolescents and Children are obese (Sabin et al., 2015).

Causes Biologically, obesity is as a result of insulin resistance resulting in the development of type 2 diabetes among other health related issues.

Causes A decline in engagement in physical activities and well as increased consumption of unhealthy meals has resulted in the development of obesity among children in the current age.

Facts and Figures Between 1980s and 1990s, the prevalence rates of obese children aged between 2 and 19 years has greatly risen. Approximately 17% of children within the identified age bracket are obese in America. The prevalence rates of obesity among children aged 2 and 5 has been declining significantly to about 8.4% in 2012 from 17.7% (Gagnon & Stephens, 2015).

Risk Factors The choice of foods such as high fat foods as well as sugary foods results in obesity. Decline in the rates of physical activity Engaging more in sedentary activities Genetics

Societal role in obesity The society has played a significant role in the increased prevalence rates of childhood obesity through; Increased cost of healthy foods Increased portion sizes Increased use of cars Increased marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks

Childhood and Adult obesity Childhood and adult obesity are directly interlinked. It is a high possibility that an obese child will remain obese even during the adolescent stage and become overweight as an adult. Approximately 80% of overweight adults were obese as children (Sabin et al. 2015).

Social problems for obese Children Obese children records a lower level of self-esteem compared to the non obese ones Increased chances of suffering other health related concerns as adults

Important Factors to remember Changes in lifestyle and diet is the leading factor of obesity development in children Obesity poses a major threat to a person’s health concern in future Obese children have a high potential of being obese as adults

Eradicating cases of Obesity The society should take part in eradicating childhood obesity to promote a healthy living among the people in future. Parents should watch the meal content before serving them to children People should adopt a health conscious culture and lifestyle that encourages more exercise and healthy food consumption to do away with obesity cases.

References Gagnon, M., & Stephens, M. B. (2015). Obesity and National Defense: Will America Be Too Heavy to Fight?. Military Medicine,180(4), 464-467. doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00328 Sabin, M. A., Kao, K., Juonala, M., Baur, L. A., & Wake, M. (2015). Viewpoint article: Childhood obesity - looking back over 50 years to begin to look forward. Journal Of Paediatrics & Child Health, 51(1), 82-86. doi:10.1111/jpc.12819