Technology And Obesity Essay

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the United States as well as in many other industrialized nations. Childhood obesity, though, is not limited to affluent countries and is increasingly being found in developing nations as well. Although diet plays an important role in exacerbating the problem, the failure to make healthy choices in food selections is not the only problem. One of the unfortunate consequences of innovations in telecommunications and video game technologies has been an increasingly sedentary lifestyle for many American youths, a trend that has been further reinforced by participation in social media networks. In this environment, it is little wonder that many young people become overweight, but the implications of obesity in childhood have lifetime implications, making the need for studies of childhood obesity and the identification of evidence-based interventions a timely and relevant enterprise. To this end, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature concerning childhood obesity, the stakeholders that are involved and several potential evidence-based interventions that have proven effective in the past. Finally, a list of policy recommendations based on this analysis is followed by a summary of the research and important findings in the conclusion.

4. Physical activities, very important to address and educate teen on exercise to prevent obesity; many teens now using video games and avoiding any activities.

Could parents be part of the reason behind their child’s obesity? I think yes. A

An increases in the number of obese children can be attributed to the growth of both the fast food and technology industries. Fast food has become an attractive alternative to home-cooked meals for many families. Poor economic times has caused many families to struggle making ends meet, making fast food an inexpensive and easy meal. Additionally, technology--video games, cell phones, computers, and tablets-- and social media has also exacerbated the issue of child obesity. These technological and social media outlets have caused many youths to spend countless hours watching television, playing a video game, or browsing the web. The U.S. Department of Health suggests that adolescents should get at least one hour of physical activity everyday. According to a recent study, “over 45% of Americans 12-17 years of age spend more than two hour per day glued to a screen” (Source 6). It is clear that most of today’s generation of teens and adolescents doesn’t get the recommended one hour of physical activity per day. But who is going to help adolescents and their fight with

There is a new epidemic that is hitting America by storm in this day and age. It is a serious concern that can lead to serious health problems, social ostracism and, if left untreated, fatality. This disease is obesity, more specially child and teenage obesity in America which statistics show has reached an alarming 2.5 million for children ranging from 2 to 19. This teeming number is continually increasing and as a result, children are at an increased risk for diseases traditionally correlated with adults such as heart disease and Type II diabetes. Sadly enough, this can and will shorten the life span of children if measures are not taken. Now, there are many unknowns as to the actual causes of teen obesity and not just gluttony or

Obesity has been linked to genetics. It has been researched and proven that children with parents who are obese, would have between 5-25% chance of likely inheriting genes that would eventually make them obese. However, genes is not an excuse for obesity because it does not work alone but must have the right factors present to manifest.

Childhood obesity is a source of great debate in the United States. Many studies have shown the problem has become epidemic. Adults in the United States are increasing in weight and so are children and teenagers. Many factors are contributing to this growing problem. The influence parents have on their children can affect them negatively. Children of overweight parents are more likely to be overweight themselves. Another issue adding to the childhood obesity problem is the fact that children and teens have more options when it comes to food choices. School lunches, vending machines, and cheap calorie-packed snacks all contribute to this issue. Healthy foods are also more expensive and not as readily available as

Before searching for ways to end obesity, we should know some of the factors that contribute to people becoming obese. Surprisingly, there are many factors that specifically affect teens. A few of them are, excessive use of electronics, a large consumption of fast food (which is high in calories.) and genetics. The most likely cause for the high rate of teen obesity is fast food. Most teens enjoy going out and buying a cheap and quickly prepared meal over making

The most compelling piece of information that I read from the article "Epigenetics: Its What Turns You On...and Off" (Schardt, 2013) is how children born from the same mother, before gastric bypass surgery and after the surgery, had different patterns of epigenetic marks than their siblings. It would not have crossed my mind that being overweight would actually have an affect on your genes, that could be passed down to your offspring. Researchers have also reported that the gene IGF2 was more turned on in those born to obese fathers, which might increase the risk of becoming overweight in adulthood (Schardt, 2013). So they chances that a child becomes overweight is on both parents and not just one.

I believe that it is the parents fault for their child being obese. As they do not choose healthy foods for their child and eventually many of these children are used to these unhealthy eating habits. And many of these unhealthy eating habits continue into adulthood and can lead to disease.

It’s been shown that children with obese parents are more likely to become obese. Heredity contributes between 5-25 percent risks of obesity. Other risks can be attributed to the environment and behavior. Obesity is generally linked to over eaten but in most cases its heredity problem children should be careful because genes can also pass to their offspring. The problem cannot be corrected but you can prevent it. Children should be given an appropriate diet and should be deterred from overeating. Child obesity can be predicted at an early stage and children should be aware of the consequences of obesity.

The children found less time in playing with their mothers than those who did not work. Children engaged in less physical activities were at greater risk of higher body mass index (Cawley and Liu 2007). Guo et al (2002) stated that according to U.S. research 59 percent of boys and 45 percent of girls who were overweight at the age of three years, would be overweight at thirty five years of age. Bradley et al (2008) showed in their study that higher BMI (body mass index) was associated with more behavior problems and lower academic achievement during middle and late childhood. Mcdonnell and Doyle (2014) examined that preschool children of well educated mothers had an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Benjamin et al (2009) found that informal child care in early years had a determined effect on risk of overweight during childhood.

Everybody knows the child that can eat any type of food all day and never seem to gain weight. This occurrence has led researchers to investigate the role that genetics plays in childhood obesity. Not all children who are inactive or who eat poorly are obese, much in the same way that some obese children eat fairly healthy, and exercise moderately. Heredity has recently been shown to influence body fat percentage, regional fat storage, and the body?s response to overeating (Rush, 1). Children who have obese parents are 80% more likely to be obese than their lean parented counterparts (Buffington, 16). This familial correlation is contributed to genetics as well as the parents eating habits. Children with obese parents typically aren?t taught the correct way to choose when and what food to eat, leading to poor eating habits and eventually obesity. Many genetic defects can have a significant effect on obesity such as variable thyroid activity and pituitary defects. Abnormalities in any one of these regulators could be responsible for appetite abnormalities and weight gain. Furthermore, obesity leads to defects in appetite regulation, hormone production, and metabolic events (Oklahoma Cooperative, 4) that are responsible for further weight gain,

One fundamental cause of obesity is diet. Adolescence is perfect example of this. Students might have breakfast and lunch at schools. The vast majority of students’ lunches often consist of crisps, chocolate bars and soft drinks, which are high energy foods and due to unbalance energy. (Oliver, 2010). According to research, 25% teenagers are already obese. (ibid). To save money or reduce expenses, schools provide unhealthy foods or junk foods. When soft drinks which were coca cola came into the global economy, drinking soft drinks became popular in schools. The data gives a detailed situation. If a student only has one tin of coca he might has 8 tablespoons of sugar and the rest can be done in the same manner one, a month is 240 tablespoons sugar from drinks. (ibid). Frequent, red meat, large meals high in refined grains, sugary drinks, unhealthy fats are typical Western diet. (Harvard School of Public Health, 2014).

With children being overweight or obese, it is very much associated with it happening as adults. Most teens are not worried about their calorie intake. They eat what they think tastes good, not caring if it is healthy or not. Children mainly become overweight because of what they eat and drink. Whether male or female, some young people who are extremely overweight drop out of school and will not leave the house unless it is absolutely necessary (6). Boys tend to do more physical activities than girls, that is why girls are more effective when it comes to obesity. For example, boys are always outside playing sports such as football, baseball, soccer, and basketball. As for girls, they may do the same but most girls just sit inside watch television, movies, and eat junk food. Programs have been developed to prevent adolescent obesity (Power 14). Many young teens begin to smoke cigarettes at their age. If they try to quit, it is most likely that they will gain weight. When children are overweight or obese, it transitions to adulthood.