Childhood Obesity Essay Introduction Essay

IntroductionObesity is a serious and major(ip) health complication contri simplying to 112,000 deaths annually virtually of which be preventable. Obesity is to a condition where excess fill in has dispassionate in the body has to the level of adversely affecting ones health. in that location is no general agreement on the minorest explanations of corpulency in adolescents and children. Therefore, most professionals accept the guidelines published on body view index (BMI) to measure cases of over fish in children and adolescents. The increase of obesity among children in 2008 increased from 5 percent to 17 percent in the homogeneous year. This paper will focus to explore the causes of obesity in children and give back methods on how it place be prevented. One is considered as weighty or overweight when his or her body mass index BMI exceeds 30 kg/m2) (Flegal, 2000).Body mass index is obtained by measuring an individuals weight in kilograms relative to his or her height in meters. presently obesity is the widest spread medical problem affecting children and teenagers in veritable countries same(p) the get together States. Other measure of obesity include a) Weight-to-height tables- These tables designate being overweight and give ranges for a estimable weight found on the height of a teenager or child. b) Body fat percentage- Fat a percentage of body weight, is a strong index of obesity. Boys are regarded obese when their body fat is above 25 percent and girls over 32 percent. Obesity has profound effects on the life-time of a patient by increasing the possibility of contracting mixed bag of ailments. The fol humiliateding are health consequences of obesity according to Center for ailment Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancers (breast, endometrial and colon)Coronary heart disease high blood pressureStrokeType 2 diabetesDyslipidemiaOsteoarthritisGallbladder and liver and diseaseGynecological problems (infertility, abnormal menses)In additio n to the health consequences above, obesity net in any case create social, as well as, emotional problems to an individual or patient payable to the stigma associated with one being overweight.Causes of obesity personal exercise and dieting are among the best ways for treating obesity. One arse improve his or her diet quality by reducing the exercise foods rich in efficacy, e.g. those high in sugars and fat and increasing the consumption of dietary fiber. Drugs such as anti- obesity medication drugs may be taken to lower appetite or inhibit the absorption of fat. A gastric balloon may enable one lose weight if exercise, medication and diet are non effective. Surgery may also be performed to lower stomach volume and or bowel length. This leads to to begin with satiation and reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food. Below are any(prenominal) of the major causes of obesity (Ferry, 2011).Physical inactivity- The increased use of computers, video games and televisions per k up largely contributed to an inactive lifestyle for many teenagers and children in developed countries like the U.S. On average, teenagers and children in the United States of America spend three hours unremarkable watching television. This form of recreation not only uses little brawniness but also encourages eating of snacks. Only one-third of children in the United States have daily physical exercise education in school. dietetic habits- The eating habits of teenagers and children have shifted away from healthy foods such as vegetables and in all grains to enormous reliance on fast foods, sugary drinks and eating touch on snacks. These foods tend to contain high levels of fat or calories but low in essential nutrients. Unhealthy eating habits include eating when not hungry, watching television bandage eating or eating while doing homework e.t.c. Genetic factors- Some families tend to have obesity.Parents who are obese tend to have obese children. It is very crucial to note that obesity does not occur through genetics alone, but when one grub more calories than he or she uses. Socioeconomic status-Non working parents or families with low incomes are more likely to consume excess calories for a attached level of activity. Specific medical conditions can cause obesity but are rare. This includes inherited disorders of metabolism, hormone or chemical imbalances. Certain medications can alter how the body stores fat or processes food, thus resulting to weight gain. There is limited evidence to support the fact that some people who are overweight eat little yet gain weight due to a slow metabolism. Obese people require more energy expenditure than people who are thin due to the energy ask to maintain their massive body mass. ConclusionObesity is considered a major cause of deaths worldwide with increasing prevalence in children, teenagers and adults. The American kernel Association has guidelines for healthy children and families. It recommends th at one should eat adequate calories and eat a wide variety of foods to obtain adequate nutrition. It also recommends that the total cholesterin taken per day should be less than 300mg. These guidelines are only applicable to children above two years of age. It is necessary for everyone in the family to apply these guidelines and not just those who are obese. Schools should introduce anti bullying campaign to suffice overweight children. The biggest responsibility falls on parents to ensure their children observe healthy eating tips.ReferencesAmerican Heart Association. Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Children. Apr. 19, 2012. . Ferry Jr., R.J., ed. livelihood and Health Management of Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes. New York Springer wisdom+Business Media, 2011 416. United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Apr. 27, 2012. .