Childhood Obesity in The U.S
March 30, 2008
The problem of childhood obesity in the U.S has grown considerably in recent years. Unhealthy weight gains, due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year.
Obesity in childhood and adolescent can be related to: poor eating habits, over eating, family history of obesity, psychiatric medications and steroids. Stressful life events or changes [such parental divorce, separation, death and abuse], family and peer pressure, low self esteem, depression and lack of exercise[ i.e. couch potato kids] all add to this seemly accepted disorder.
Between 5% -25% of children and teenagers in the US are obese. Research has shown that there is a greater likelihood that obesity beginning even in the early childhood will persist into adulthood and the duration of life span.
But it’s no wonder Americans over eat. They are encouraged by fast food commercials, and strategically placed items on overflowing supermarket shelves. The Obesity problem and its health consequences is a major problem in the U.S and so is the outrageous amount of money individuals spend on dietary foods, weight loss and remedies. Is it so hard to eat in small portions. As the years have gone by the portions have gotten larger.
The causes of obesity are complex and include: genetics, biological, behavioral and cultural factors. But generally, non-familial childhood obesity occurs when a child eats more calories than he/she burns up.
There are many risk and complications with obesity. Physical consequences include: increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems and trouble sleeping just to mention a few.
The average American child spends several hours each day in front of the television, computers and video games while eating potato chips, pizza, cookies, ice cream and cake. The thousands of commercials seen everyday, many of which are for junk food, toys, alcohol, fashion and sex, have a influence kids and behavior realization. Children who watch a lot of television is more likely to have lower grades, read less, exercise less and be overweight. The time spent on watching television should be spent on reading, doing homework, exercise and family interaction but this is not the case in today’s United States. There is too much to be had, like cell phones, X-Box. But if we take a look at the source of the problem who/what do we find-adults-big businesses. The fast foods industry is by far one of the largest in the U.S and so is the gaming industry. So who do point fingers at? Aren’t adults the ones who ultimately make the decisions? It’s sad to see that that these industries focus on the vulnerability in children to stay in business. Sad!
Apsana
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Business are business to what… make money. Why blame the industry? Where are the parents?
[...] gains, due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year.http://baiganchoka.com/blog/2008/03/30/childhood-obesity-in-the-us/Childhood obesity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaChildhood obesity is a medical condition that [...]