Childhood Obesity Essay Introduction Essay Example for Free

Childhood Obesity Essay ledger entry EssayIntroductionObesity is a serious and major health complication contributing to 112,000 deaths annually most of which ar preventable. Obesity is to a condition where excess elaborate has collected in the ashes has to the direct of adversely affecting ones health. There is no general agreement on the lowest explanations of fleshiness in adolescents and children. Therefore, most professionals accept the guidelines published on body mass exponent (BMI) to measure cases of overweight in children and adolescents. The increase of obesity among children in 2008 increase from 5 percent to 17 percent in the same year. This paper will focus to explore the causes of obesity in children and give methods on how it coffin nail be prevented. One is considered as obese 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 fuss affecting children and teenagers in developed countries like the linked States. Other measure of obesity let in a) Weight-to-height tables- These tables define being overweight and give ranges for a rosy-cheeked weight based on the height of a teenager or child. b) Body fat percentage- Fat a percentage of body weight, is a unbendable indicator 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 flavour of a patient by increasing the possibility of contracting variety of diseases. The following are health consequences of obesity according to Center for Disease mesh and Prevention (CDC). Cancers (breast, endometrial and colon)Coronary heart diseaseHypertensionStrokeType 2 diabetesDyslipidemiaOsteoarthritisGallbladder and liver and diseaseGynecological problems (infertility, brachydactylous menses)In addition to the health consequences above, obesity can also create social, as well as, emotional problems to an individual or patient due to the marque associated with one being overweight.Causes of obesityPhysical exercise and dieting are among the best ways for tr consume obesity. One can improve his or her diet eccentric by reducing the intake foods rich in energy, e.g. those high in sugars and fat and increasing the consumption of dietary fiber. Drugs such as anti- obesity medical specialty drugs may be taken to lower appetite or inhibit the absorption of fat. A gastric balloon may enable one set down weight if exercise, medication and diet are non effective. Surgery may also be per solveed to lower stomach volume and or bowel length. This leads to prior satiation and reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food. Below are some of the major causes of obesity (Ferry, 2011).Physical inactivity- The increased use of computers, video games and televisions have generally 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 daily watching television. This form of recreation not only uses slim energy but also encourages eating of snacks. Only one-third of children in the United States have daily strong-arm exercise education in school. Dietary habits- The eating habits of teenagers and children have shifted away from healthy foods such as vegetables and whole grains to enormous reliance on speedy foods, sugary drinks and eating processed 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 while 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 verycrucial to note that obesity does not occur through genetics alone, but when one chuck 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 given 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 trim down due to the energy required 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 Heart Association has guidelines for healthy children and families. It recommends that one should eat adequate calories and eat a wide varie ty of foods to obtain adequate nutrition. It also recommends that the wide-cut cholesterol 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 assist 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. Nutrition and Health Management of Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes. New York Springer Science+Business Media, 2011 416. United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Apr. 27, 2012. .