Childhood Obesity: A Genetic Analysis

On the other hand, not all cases of childhood obesity are a result of external forces. In some cases a child’s problem with their weight is mainly a genetic problem. In this case even the healthiest of habits may not be enough to prevent a child from becoming obese. (American Obesity Association) Yet the dramatic increase of overweight adolescents in the past few decades has clearly not been a result of genetics, but rather has in fact been do to poor health habits.

In 2015, 15% of children between the ages of 2 to 15, in Scotland, were at risk of obesity, in relation to their Body Mass Index (Scottish Health Survey, 2015). For children, the BMI ranges changes as they grow and get older, as well as being dependent on gender. For example, if a 12 year old boy and a 9 year old boy have the same BMI, and the 12 year old is classed as healthy, it doesn’t mean that subsequently the 9 year old is healthy too. It can, in fact, allude that the younger boy is overweight. Obesity in childhood can lead to a plethora of health issues in later life, and the children are more likely to be obese or overweight in adulthood. The World Health Organisation identified some of the future health outcomes of being obese in childhood. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis, and in the worst case; death. WHO has estimated that, globally, over two million people die annually from health problems associated with being obese or overweight (WHO, 2016). There are several contributing factors to a child’s weight, including; parental weight and activity level, geographical location and deprivation.

Obesity during childhood is associated with increased risk of obesity, premature death and disability in later life and drives to the growth of type 2 diabetes (WHO, 2015; Singh et al, 2008). Life course approach is easily understandable in the context of obesity, since obesity is connected with many macro and micro level factors which come and play during a person’s lifespan i.e. in each critical period. (Prenatal to old age). Each of those factors depend by the life stage and major transition points of the life trajectory (Musingarimi, 2008). Micro level factors are poor nutrients to mother during pregnancy, low income of the family, no or lack of breastmilk from mother during infancy and childhood, energy dense food consumption, sedentary lifestyle, gender, ethnicity, socio economic status whereas macro level factors are food insecurity, low income, company policies (minimum wage), inability to access health services, lack of government support, lack of policies to promote nutritious foods. Each of these factors are interconnected and drives to the development of an obese person by certain

However, “the epidemic of child obesity is still relatively new” (Source 7). Because child obesity is a somewhat unfamiliar phenomenon, “obesity is difficult to cure” (Source 7). Child obesity is the “result of eating too many calories and not getting enough exercise” (Source 1). Though scientists have made a connection between child obesity and genetic disposition, obesity is ultimately caused by the decisions we

Children in need of these nutrients can suffer from stunted growth never reaching potential height. Statistics have shown stunted growth children score significantly lower on intelligence tests than do normal children. Hunger interferes with physical, emotional and academic development. According to Freedom from Hunger, “more than 4 million children will die due to hunger related causes.” NASW(2016) shows an important connection food security and nutrition play in physical and mental health.

The lack of nutritious food has many negative effects on the human brain, and body. In the United States, obesity rates amongst children under the age of 11 have been rapidly increasing. Obesity in children is likely to lead into adulthood, due to habitually poor eating patterns as well as the absence of resources to change poor habits. Adults with obesity are far more likely to experience a number of serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. While the rise

This increased prevalence of childhood obesity has correlated with a rise in serious health concerns, once only seen in adults including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma (Freedman, Srinivansan, Berenson, Dietz, 2007; Whitloc, Williams, Gold, Smith, Shipman, 2005; Han, Lawlor, Kimm, 2010). Additionally children who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for being bullied, experiencing psychological distress, mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and low self -esteem (Halfon, Larson, Slusser, 2013). Furthermore, obesity in childhood is a strong predictor of adulthood obesity and therefore a precursor to more serious health consequence throughout the lifespan (Halfon et. al, 2013).

A key factor of health in later life is childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is a medical condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being. Medical conditions are not the only factor which causes children to be obese it is the parental/family influences as well. Family influences on children are a huge factor because when children are younger they eat what the parent’s eats which can determine what the child ends up eating.

There are many different contributions to child hood obesity. Genetic factors is one contribution to childhood obesity, but while genetics is a factor it is not the main factor in childhood obesity. Genetic factors cannot be the main contributor to the obesity because of the major increase in obesity in children cannot all be contributed to genetics. There has to other environmental factors mixed with the genetic factor to make the child extremely over weight or obese unless the child has a genetic disorder like Prader-Willi syndrome. Environmental factors are another contributor to childhood obesity. Like the way their parents parents act at home. If the parents eat a lot and don't exercise the child if mostly likely going to be the

Childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be resolved. Many people may say it is the Child’s fault, he is weak willed. This is just a common misconception; there are hundreds of different reasons for childhood obesity. I will just be scratching the surface of this paper. By the same token childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be resolved. We can achieve this by understanding some common misconceptions, understanding health problems, and understanding fitness.

Hello Judith, you make a great point on how obesity has known to be hereditary. I was not aware that when one has the obesity gene they may have more problem trying to lose weight due to problem at the biological level. I too agree with you statement how many of these children suffer from a physiological stand point. Promoting health from an early age can be the best way to prevent

Genetics is a true indicator of your biological make-up. Genes are not the only aspect in the biological force and is closely associated with lifestyle factors such as health. What you eat and how active you are can determine specific ways in which you grow emotionally and physically. These biological forces helps to maintain conditions which are essential in order for us to survive, as well as necessities that are being provided. Consider the variation between each human and the rate at which we develop. For example, a young boy with a slower growth rate than his peers may have a delayed rate at which his body is producing testosterone. The amount of testosterone he produces has a direct influence on when the young boy will experience puberty. Even after puberty, your body will continually develop. Many biological forces either have positive or negative outcomes on your body physically. If an individual rarely exercises and

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges of the 21st century, (World Health Organization, 2012). Alarmingly, in New Zealand, 29% of children are either obese or overweight (Kelly & Swinburn, 2015). A statistic which has climbed 18% in just over three decades (Ng et al, 2014). Having a healthy body weight in childhood is important for both short and long term health. Overweight and obsess children are more likely to become obese when they are adults, develop an illness like cardiovascular diseases and cancer (Chan & Woo, 2010). An unhealthy body weight is not only associated with negative health benefits but also a range of physical, social and mental health issues. For instance, overweight or obese children are more likely to have low self-esteem and experience more bullying and social isolation (Kelly & Swinburn, 2015). Moreover, not only is childhood obesity increasing but there is yet to be successful examples where countries have intervened to help reverse this major health challenge (Ng et al, 2014). Although obesity is affected by various factors, what a child eats plays an important role (Kelly & Swinburn, 2015). Furthermore, unhealthy eating is also believed to have contributed to children having type 2 diabetes. A condition that was formally believed to only be found in adults (Health Committee, 2007). Unhealthy eating also has negative effects on a child’s dental health which is important for children’s general health and well-being

Human growth and development is an incredibly complex process, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. At certain times and for certain developments, genetic influences dominate, whereas at other times, environmental influences are more powerful which emphasizes the fact that genetic and environmental forces are always working together (Sigelman and Rider, 2009).

Many children are currently suffering from obesity all around the world (Zuraikat 2010). Often times if parents don’t have a good nutritional balance then their children will become obese as well. Adults might not care what others think of them, but most likely their children will be bullied in school. There is a lot of discrimination around the world till this day towards obese people (Zuraikat 2010). Believe it or not if two people go apply for the same job position often times the one that looks physically better will get the job. For this reason, it is significantly important to maintain a well-balanced nutritional diet starting at a young age. There are times when children are consuming high portions of fat