Teenage Obesity In The United States

Although an unhealthy diet is never a good thing, even with a moderate amount of exercise adolescents can effectively fend off obesity and the negative affects that follow.

In America childhood obesity statistics show that almost 60 percent of children are obese. This statistic continues to grow at an alarming rate. 70 percent of obese adolescence become obese adults. This means when these children grow into adults they will have more health problems than they already do and their quality of life will decrease. The amount of children who are obese between ages 6-11 years old has risen from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 19.6 percent, in 2008. In adolescents ages 12-19 years old the obesity rates risen from 5.0 percent in 1960 to 18.1 percent in 2008. Last year the United States government stated that obesity and type 2 diabetes have become a national epidemic.

In the United States today, obesity has become an enormous burden on both the health and healthcare of those affected. In the last 3 decades, the number of people overweight has increased dramatically. According to the Centers of Disease Control, as of 2013, 34.9% of our population is considered overweight or obese. America is the richest yet the fattest nation in the world, and our obese backsides are the butt of jokes in every other country (Klein, 1994).

Overweight and obesity also upsurge the health risks for children and teens. Type 2 diabetes once was erratic in American children, but an increasing number of children are increasing in the dangerous disease. Type 2 diabetes that is itself a deadly condition to have at such early stages of life. Also, overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese as adults, with the same disease risks (Overweight and Obesity). However, adult become more disposed to several diseases including but not limited to high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis and sleep apnea(Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity?). However, in my community adult seem to be during more active to improve their health.

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 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)

Over the past few decades, obesity rate has grown drastically in the United States. “A third of U.S. adults are obese” (Brady 519), placing them at a higher risk for diseases, and increased healthcare spending. It a preventable nutritional problem that affects people of all ages, gender and race, with minority groups and people of low socioeconomic status disproportionately affected. It is a multifaceted problem with many issues at its root. Obesity is the result of our agricultural policies, present economic condition, and unhealthy lifestyle.

In the recent years, the issue of childhood obesity has gained major attention in the United States especially in the 21st century. The percentage of obesity has raised tremendously within the last decade. In a recent news article, American Obesity Rates Are on the Rise, Maggie Fox states “about 28 percent of the people in America admits that they are obese.” The United States has become the country with the highest rate of obesity in the world. Besides adults who are obese, obesity is also a common issue to children and teenagers. Childhood is an important period when parents help their child avoid being obese. Eating habits during childhood can have an impact on a person as they age. Children in the U.S who are obese, will most likely develop a higher risk of having medical issue. According to the website, letsmove.gov, children who are obese, could cause to wide range of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, high glucose levels, and more. Also, children who are obese at a young age, are likely to remain obese in adulthood. The establishment of the bill, H.R. 2627 Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act, could reduce the percentage of obese children by providing salad bars during lunch times. This exposure to healthy eating habits can help children to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to avoid future health issues.

Childhood obesity has been a constant debate topic in the United States for several decades. Obesity is defined as a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent it may have an adverse effect on health and reduce life expectancy (WHO, 2011). About 1 in every 6 American children is considered overweight or obese. Under current obesity guidelines by using the body mass index measurement (BMI) for age percentile, a BMI of below 18.5 is considered underweight, normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 24.9), overweight (BMI of 25.0 to 29.9) and obese is a BMI that is higher than 30 for children of the same age and sex. Some experts believe that parents should be held liable and prosecuted if their children become morbidly obese. Others argue that this is not the best action to take against parents because other factors affect childhood obesity.

Another study in 2013 found that the ‘severely obese’ was the “fastest growing subcategory of obesity” (Kelly et al, 2013).

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

Can you imagine your child having a shorter lifespan than you because of what you feed them? This may happen if parents continue to feed their children unhealthy foods, later leading to obesity. Obesity is a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems. “Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year.” Teen obesity is a serious issue since we have high statistics of obesity in the US, increasing health issues among teens and causes are becoming more complex.

Overweight and obesity in youth are known to have huge effect on both physical and mental wellbeing. Overweight and obese youngsters are probably going to remain hefty into adulthood and more inclined to create non-transferable illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a more youthful age. The instrument of heftiness improvement is not completely comprehended and it is accepted to be a disorder with multiple causes. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and social condition assume vital parts in the rising commonness of obesity around the world. As a rule, overweight and obesity are thought to be the aftereffects of an expansion in caloric and fat intake. Then again, there are supporting proof that over the top sugar allow by soda pop, increased portion size, and enduring decrease in physical movement have been assuming significant parts in the rising rates of obesity all around the globe. Youth obesity can significantly influence kids' physical wellbeing, social, and emotional well-being, and self-esteem. It is likewise connected with poor academic execution and a lower personal satisfaction experienced by the

Alice Parker author of "Teens Are as Sedentary as 60 Year Olds" (Parks 4-5) says that, "Obesity in america shows no signs of showing, and the reasons why it is so widespread can be truly to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle." To live a healthier life, exercise in the teen years. Daily, one should get moderate to vigorous exercise a day. When thinking about exercise it's not only thinking about shape or form. Also you have to know that different exercises affect different parts of the body.

Meet Jenna, a sixteen-year-old in her junior year of high school. Jenna is an honor student with a grade point average of 3.0. She is a talented writer and is also has a very fun and sweet personality. Jenna also struggles with obesity and constantly wonders why. The causes of her obesity are obvious and many teenagers also share these, yet they all are overlooked. Inactivity, junk food, and lack of portion control are the three main causes for teenagers being overweight.