It is almost 5pm late Saturday afternoon, and I am loading up the van after a trip to BJ’s Wholesale Club. I need to get home and put the groceries away, bathe the kids, and get them to bed so I can pick up the house or work on my online classes. As I buckle the car seats the kids remind me they are hungry and beg for a trip to McDonalds. My three girls (two at 5 years old, and one at 3 years old) know that McDonald’s is currently offering the My Little Pony dolls in their Happy Meals, MLP happens to be a favorite toy of my girls. I am torn – McDonalds would be easy and fast, the kids would be happy, and I can sit for a moment and have a coffee while they eat and play, but they just had Papa Gino’s a couple nights ago. I do not like the …show more content…
“Overweight children often have elevated cholesterol levels, which can be a predictor for any number of deadly diseases. Overweight kids are more likely to have problems with glucose intolerance, and consequently diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is skyrocketing among teens, elevated blood pressure is nine times more likely to occur among obese kids. Sleep apnea is found in one in ten obese children, bone problems are more common in obese kids. Most importantly an obese young person is much more likely to become an obese adult” (PhD Campbell and MD II Campbell). In addition to the health problems there are many negative emotional effects on overweight children. They are often teased by peers and have issues with self-esteem. Young children do not have enough knowledge and information on nutrition to make the correct choices themselves, therefore, they rely on their parents to help them.
Parents need to be responsible for establishing healthy eating habits for their children. It is the responsibility of the parents to understand the causes of obesity and how to prevent it. Parents do not hesitate to protect their children from many of life’s dangers and to keep them safe and healthy. For example, there are many children that would probably be very happy to skip routine dentist appointments, but most responsible parents insist, whether the child likes it or not, that they
One of the major causes of obesity to be addressed is eating excess calories from energy rich foods. Eating a variety of healthy foods is necessary for optimal growth and development, Protects against disease and provides energy to play, explore and learn. This is also accompanied by inadequate exercising or working out. This results in fats accumulating in the body. Parents should monitor their children’s feeding habits and take them for regular check-up. There are many ways that parents can help their children on a healthier path. Start early to establish healthy eating practices at home; be a role model, kids love to follow if lead by example. Plan healthier snacks that meet the nutritional needs and kids enjoy eating as well. To determine whether a child is obese or not, his or her
Obesity is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity often begin in childhood and is linked to many psychological problems such as asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood. Childhood obesity is related to increased mortality and morbidity in adulthood as many obese children grow up to become obese adults (Johnson, 2016). In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. In the United States, the percentage of children aged six to eleven years who were obese seven percent in 1980 has increased to eighteen percent in 2012. In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height, whereas obesity is having excess body fat. Childhood obesity can lead both immediate and long term effects on health and well-being. Obese children are likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A population based sample of five to seventeen year old shows 70% obese children have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obese children and adolescents are at risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as poor self-esteem and stigmatization. Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, stroke, type 2
Childhood onset overweight and obesity and its’ associated health consequences are quickly becoming major significant public health issues facing America today. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define overweight as a body mass index (BMI) between the 85th and 95th percentile while obese is defined as BMI above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex . The prevalence of overweight children, defined based on 2009 CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics data, has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Between 1980 and 2006, the incidence of overweight among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% to 17.0% while overweight levels for adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 17.6% .
The number is alarming with one in five children also believed to be overweight or obese before they start primary school. Childhood obesity is a terrifying issue with many studies showing that childhood obesity is linked to obesity in adolescence and through to adulthood. It has been demonstrated that children with obese parents are more likely to obese themselves, continuing a vicious cycle. These children are presented with many complex health issues and risks, including a reduced quality of life. Every child deserves and has the right to a healthy life that they can get them most out of. These obese and overweight children deal with an increased risk of ?CVD?, they often experience asthma and/or wheezing and are continually presented with mental health risks due to poor self esteem, body image or
Childhood obesity has both the immediate and the long-term health effects, for instance, a greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, asthma, and emotional and psychological problems such as bullying by peers, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression (Saha et al., 2011, Black et al., 2013, Barton, 2012, Daniels et al., 2005). Moreover, children with overweight
Obesity in our youth has been identified as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. (Lobestein). Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to develop sleep apnoea, breathlessness on exertion and reduced exercise tolerance, some orthopaedic and gastrointestinal problems, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and early signs of metabolic and clinical consequences, such as hypertension, hyperinsulinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and type 2 diabetes. (WHO, DENNY W) A major long-term consequence is that overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese adults, with an increased risk of chronic diseases and early mortality. (BRIO FM)
There is also continued increase in the proportion of children at risk of being overweight (Puhl & Latner, 2007). Childhood and adolescent obesity and overweight trend increased considerably between 1999 and 2004. However, the trend seemingly leveled between 2005 and 2006, and then surged in subsequent years. In 2008, the estimated obesity prevalence rate among children and adolescents of 2-19 years of age was 16.3 percent and overweight prevalence rate was 31.9 percent (Fleming et al., 2008). In 2010, it was estimated that 38 percent of children in the European Union and 50 percent of children in North America were overweight. This dramatic increase in childhood obesity is likely to have considerable long-term impact for economics and public health. If not reversed, the public health obesity toll is likely to continue rising as children and adolescents enter adulthood and start experiencing delayed and usually life threatening obesity complications (Fleming et al., 2008). In addition, there is increasing concerns regarding the vulnerability of many children to the adverse emotional and social obesity consequences. The effects of some of these consequences may be immediate with undesirable health outcomes and potentially lasting effects (Puhl & Latner, 2007). Childhood obesity is specifically problematic because it is not only linked to various comorbid physical and psychological problems but also adult obesity predictors and mortality risk factor (Werthmann et al.
This incline has numerous negative effects on the young population of this country. The effects of childhood obesity can be both physical and psychosocial. Many different disorders, diseases and health problems occur in the form of “side effects” to obesity. A major concern outside of physical health is the self-perception problem that is likely occur with children and adolescents that are obese. (Moreno, Johnson-Shelton, & Boles, 2013).
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).
The number of overweight children in America has increased at an alarming rate. Today it is estimated that more than one-third of children and teens are overweight or obese (CDC, 2004). Obesity is the result of excess body fat. It is difficult defining obesity in younger people. Research shows that children who are obese are more likely to grow up to be overweight as an adult (CDC, 2004). Childhood obesity increases the risk of developing serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma (CDC, 2004). Despite the increase in public awareness, overweight children often are teased and excluded from social activities, which can lead to low-self esteem and poor body images. Bullying can increase negative feeling including anxiety
Obesity in children (from childhood to adolescence) is associated with psychological, social and physiological consequences. Most of these consequences are evident in childhood and others are evident at later stages in life. The biggest challenge with obese children is that they stand a higher risk of becoming obese as adults too (Wang et al., 2008). Additionally, the youths today have a lower life expectancy compared to their parents because of increased rate for obesity (Olshansky et al., 2005). Obesity has also financial consequences: a study estimates that $3 billion is spent on obese children who are enrolled in Medicaid (Marder & Chang, 2005).
Childhood obesity is a significant problem in our society, and has become one of the most prevalent health conditions affecting the welfare of children (Siegel & Parker, 2008). Research indicates that since the 1980’s the incidence of a BMI at the 95th percentile or higher has tripled among school age children and adolescents and remains at approximately 17% (Ogden et al, 2010). In addition, obese children today are heavier, in general, than obese children in the past. (Estabrooks, Fisher, & Hayman, 2008). According to Sharkey, Yetter, Felix & Furlong (2006), childhood obesity may have multiple, potentially negative effects on children, and has been linked to a number of physical, social, emotional and psychological ailments.
If a child is obese, it may cause severe problems to their physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing. These problems can include: stress on the bones and joints, fatty liver, high blood pressure, type two diabetes, snoring and sleep apnea, behavioral problems, stigmatization and low self-esteem. (Dieticians Assoc. Aus., 2010.) The most recent Australian Health Survey between 2011-12 shows the increase in proportion of overweight and obese children in Australia since 1985. It has also been estimated that one third of Australian children will be overweight or obese by 2025 (figure 1).
All until the first time I saw Ronald Mcdonald, I was as scared as a mouse being chased by a cat. I thought the clown was going to take me, and I just burst into tears. I never wanted to go back to McDonald’s. Then, I thought the food was nasty and the playground was full of germs. I also figured that when I was going down the slide of the playground, Ronald Mcdonald would be at the bottom. In addition to already hating
Obesity during childhood can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways . Children who have obesity are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Obese children are more likely to get ill like breathin problems such as asthama and sleep apnea. Fatty liver disease , gallstones, gastro and joint problems. Childhood obesity is also related to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life is also the effect of obesity. Children who are suffering from the obesity are having social problems such as bullying and stigma (CDC, 2017). In conclusion, obesity effects the health of the children so in order to reduce it there should be more medical