Childhood_Obesity

Childhood Obesity Name Institution   Obesity means a surplus amount of body fat. There is no general statement that exists on the smallest definition of obesity in adolescents and children, unlike the standards for adults. There is an increased risk for overweight children to be overweight in their adulthood. Family environment, genetic and behavior play a key role in childhood obesity. Childhood obesity increases the risk of certain psychological and medical conditions. The prevalence of obese children in the U.S. has dramatically increased in the recent years. Approximately 16% of children between 2 to 19 years have been classified as obese, according to recent reports (Ogden et al., 2008). The aim of this paper is to analyze childhood obesity because excess body weight has both long term, and immediate effects and this issue requires serious attention. Because of the changing body compositions of children and the different growing rate of girls and boys, the body mass index for children is gender and age specific. The terms overweight and obese are mostly used interchangeably, although the words overweight and risk of overweight are preferred when referring to children whose excessive weight poses medical risks. Overweight adolescents and children have an increased risk of acquiring several health complications. When they are in their youth, they are likely to exhibit the risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure compared to the normal weight people (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009). Other health complications associated that are associated with obese children include liver damage, apnea, and asthma. Furthermore, obese adolescents and children are at a higher risk of becoming obese adults. A study shows that approximately 80% of the children who were obese between the ages of 10 to 15 years were obese at 25 years. Another study shows that 25% of overweight adults were obese as children. That study also concludes that when obesity begins before one reaches 8 years, it is likely to be more severe in adulthood. Finally, childhood obesity has emotional and psychological consequences. The obese children are at more risk of bullying and teasing, poor body image and low self-esteem. Childhood obesity has no single cause; rather it is a complicated interaction of different variables. The contributing factors include behavior, certain socio-demographics, genetics and environment. Certain genetics characteristics increase a person’s susceptibility to excessive body weight, however, many genes will most likely be involved and a sturdy interaction between environment and genetics, which influences the extent of excessive body weight. In some instances, parental obesity is a greater predictor of childhood obesity than the weight status of the child alone. Several behaviors can influence weight gain among children, and they include physical activity, sedentary behaviors and nutrition (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2003). There are several environmental factors, which substantially contribute to childhood obesity, including school, home, community and childcare settings. These environments are places where children learn physical activity and eating habits. Finally, certain social economic and ethnic minority populations have increased rates of childhood obesity. Behaviors and lifestyles are established early in an individual’s life; therefore, people should focus on healthful behaviors. This is crucial to promoting healthy weight. The key goals of overcoming childhood obesity should be increased activity and healthful eating. It is vital for children to eat enough calories to hold up normal development and growth without endorsing excessive weight gain (Institute of Medicine, 2004). The childcare setting, community, home, and school are essential for a more healthful surrounding for children. Caregivers, community, parents, and teachers can promote physical activity and healthy nutrition habits and a well weight among the children by promoting physical activity and encouraging healthy eating habits. References Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., & Flegal, K. M. (2008). High body mass index for age among US children and adolescents, 2003-2006. JAMA, 299(20), 2401-2405. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Overweight and Obesity. Consequences. Retrieved October 6, 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/NCCDPHP/DNPA/obesity/childhood/consequences.htm American Academy of Pediatrics. (2003). Policy statement. Prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity. Pediatrics, 112(2), 424-430. Institute of Medicine. (2004). Childhood Obesity in the United States: Facts and Figures. Retrieved February 27, 2009 from http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/22/606/FINALfactsandfigures2.pdf