Child Obesity Child obesity is a growing problem in the world. Children are growing up and becoming overweight before they’re near adulthood. It is a problem for them for both health and psychological reasons. Kids with weight issues can develop issues with their organs, especially the heart, far earlier in life than would occur naturally. They can also develop significant problems like asthma and diabetes. These children and teens, sometimes, also have issues in school with teasing or bullying. This can damage their psychological development. Even the children who do not become obese adults have “cast a shadow over their adult health, due to metabolic changes that start at an early age.” (Haymarket) Children should not have to go through this kind of trouble in life and for the most part child obesity is preventable; some kids have a naturally slow metabolism, unfortunately. There are many ways to prevent childhood obesity. There are also many ways to fix it. Children should be limited in their TV viewing times and time on computers, starting at the preschool age. This would prevent children from lacking the proper amount of physical activity. This same method should be applied to mealtime; children should not watch TV while eating. “There are other studies in older children that show that while watching TV, children are not good at reading their own satiety cues.” (The Globe and Mail, Sheryl Ubelacker) Another possible solution to child obesity would be parents convincing their children to have more play time. Active play has been shown to be better for children and their health than structured exercise. Children should view play as fun, rather than “good for you” as it makes it more appealing. Counseling is also a method that could be used to help kids with weight management. For children who haven’t become obese yet, it could deter them from going down that path. For those who already are obese, it could help them with problems they have developed from it and help them get onto the right track. Counseling would likely be used in conjunction with the other possible methods. As a child grows older it becomes harder to limit their access to TV and other inactive activities. Starting this kind of strategy would be best at the youngest age possible. Kids that are already used to having to near unlimited use of TV or other electronics would find it harder to enjoy activities that would benefit their health. This is why teaching a child at early ages to enjoy play and activity. These lessons could also be incorporated with preschool lesson plans as kids in this age group are more easily taught to enjoy active play. Simply limiting a child’s access to TV and electronics would not be enough to steer them into a healthier path. There are still so many things they could do that would not prevent or help with obesity. This kind of plan would have to be used in conjunction with one that would promote some kind of physical activity and healthy eating. That brings up the next strategy. Children should be encouraged and raised to enjoy being active and playing. Playing has almost no real negative possible effects, except maybe the occasional scratch or bruise. Kids who play keep their body weight and health in check far better than those who spend all day on a couch or chair. If a problem would have to be stated, it may be that many parents do not take the time to support activity like this. This is another thing that is harder to teach to older children, so starting young would again be the best option. This strategy would not necessarily need a companion strategy like the others, but watching a child’s diet would likely best be coupled with it. Counseling could have many good effects for the child, especially those who are already obese and have social problems from it. One possible outcome would be the child understanding that they have a problem that needs attention. Group counseling could even offer kids
Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity has become a major health problem in the United States because of the staggering numbers in the past few decades. Not only has obesity tripled over the past thirty years, it continues to affect children of all ages. There are several other risk factors for childhood obesity but most importantly poor eating habits and the lack of physical activity are the leading causes due to lifestyle and environmental changes. The health risks and social effects of obesity can…
Childhood Obesity ENG 122 English Composition II October 5, Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity has become a serious health concern in the United States. Obesity rates have doubled in children from the ages of 2 – 11 and tripled in teens ages 12-19 (American Psychological Association 2014). This statement is not surprising considering that the lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits together causes childhood obesity, which can be the leading factor in the increase in childhood…
Ashley Bourdon Childhood Obesity Rates Children today seem to be more lethargic than ever. When I was 10 years old, I remember spending my free time outside. I loved playing outside and being active, as did just about every other 10-year-old I knew. Today, the average 10 year old is spending their free time using modern technology, whether that means video games or their mobile device. This means less time spent exercising and more time on the couch. Times have changed, and this is seen in…
AS 3.5 Scientifically, Childhood Obesity is a term used for a very overweight child. That is a child with an excess amount of fat that is 20 percent or more over a person’s ideal body weight but does not include muscle, bone, water or fat. Obesity is usually measured through your Body Mass Index or BMI and is measured using the formula height and weight ratio calculation. Obesity can relate to much serious health related issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, Hip and joint problems…
Many Americans are worried of the non-stop growth of the obesity population. As Morgan Spurlock, the director of the documentary film Super Size Me, stated in an interview, “I couldn't open up a magazine you couldn't read, a newspaper, you couldn't turn on the TV without hearing about the obesity epidemic in America.” Obesity is an excess of body fat. How do one know is obese? Body Mass Index (BMI), it is an accurate indicator of body fat and weight index for a person. This indicator varies in sex…
What can be done to cure childhood obesity exacerbate by the excessive use of electronics? Definition I. What do the terms of the question mean? Childhood-The early stage in the existence or development of something. Obesity-the condition of being fat or overweight. Exacerbate- makes the problem worse. Cure- Relieve of the symptoms of a disease or condition. Electronics- circuits or devices using transistors, microchips, and other components. Excessive-more than is necessary, normal, or desirable;…
Ending Childhood Obesity Abstract This final investigates six published articles, programs, and government sites that focus on teaching children about the important of nutrition, exercise, and self-confidence. The programs such as Let’s Move!, NFL PLAY 60, and “All 4 Kids” focus on educating children and families alike to create households and lifestyles that are truly healthy. Each program has a slightly different definition of their mission but they all lead to wanting the same…
Childhood Obesity: Private or Public Problem Obesity in America is a growing problem, more than one third of the children and adolescents in the United States are considered overweight or obese. Since 1980 the number of obese children and adolescents has almost tripled. Genetics, parenting habits and poor lifestyles, particularly poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are significant factors that have lead to childhood obesity. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention article on Obesity…
Child Obesity Nearly tripling the recorded number in 1980, more than twelve million children in the United States suffer from obesity today. It is these individuals who are more likely to suffer from obesity in their adult years as well as in their childhood. Obesity, often associated with several common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and some cancers, can be very hard to overcome. Is there a direct cause to this worldwide issue? Obesity is the result of caloric imbalance…
Supersized Children Childhood obesity has become severely popular in the past couple of years. It is starting to become a trend that people are following, but not a good trend. Diagnoses of severe medical illnesses, including type two diabetes are skyrocketing, and childhood obesity is in fact becoming the number one underlying cause. This horrifying and most of the time disgusting medical problem is on the rise and people are not doing even nearly…