...Childhood Obesity: The Latest Epidemic Facing Today’s Children Ashford University ENG 122 January 7, 2013 1. Childhood Obesity: The Latest Epidemic Facing Today’s Children Childhood obesity is the latest growing epidemic facing today’s children. In a report published by the Center for Disease Control (2012), nearly 17% or 12.5 million children and adolescents in the United States are classified as obese. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index that is equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Childhood obesity can be the result of genetics but is mostly the result of continuous overeating with little or no physical activity to counter the number of calories ingested. Since childhood obesity remains a growing epidemic, the rise of childhood obesity can be attributed to such factors as increased entertainment media, targeting of children by marketing, larger portion sizes, and the consumption of sugar drinks. In today’s society, entertainment media devices such as smart phones, television, computers, video games and movies are an everyday part of life. With an extensive amount of media devices at our fingertips, children are spending an average of 7.5 hours a day engaged with some form of a communication device with the majority of that time allocated to watching television or playing video games (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). This increase in watching television or playing video...
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...Res/531 June 19, 2011 Dr. Ed Yancey Topic Childhood Obesity in the Mid-South is a growing disease. Description of Childhood Obesity Childhood Obesity is defined as children having the condition of being excessively overweight (The American Heritage, 2002). The Centers for Disease Control reports that this country has been struggling with obesity for well over 20 years now and regarding childhood obesity, it is no less daunting. Data from their surveys comparing the 1970's to the 2000's show that the prevalence of obesity has increased for children of all ages at least 3 times over to about 20% of our population less than 19 years old (adult obesity approaches almost 35% in some states). There is an eye-opening depiction of U.S. obesity trends by state and race/ethnicity over the past 4 years. Obesity appears to be most commonly seen in the African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations and in lower income families (CDC, 2009). Why this Topic This topic was chosen because there is an overwhelming increase of children who are suffering from this disease. Obese children are also more likely to become overweight adults. 70% of obese children had at least one Cardiovascular Disease risk factor, and 39% had two or more (Freedman, 2007). This paper will show why childhood obesity has become such an epidemic and what can be done to counter this disease. Description of Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects...
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...Childhood Obesity’s Impact on Healthcare The current epidemic of childhood obesity spans the globe affecting the majority of the industrialized world (Trasande & Elbel, 2012). In the United States, this epidemic will have an increased negative impact on the healthcare delivery system if not addressed at every level of the community. The importance of understanding this issue and working towards solutions will make for healthier American children and ensure decreased health problems as our children grow into adults. This type of effort will ensure a reduction in unnecessary health problems and fiscal cost for every citizen that utilizes the U.S. healthcare delivery system. Healthcare managers throughout the nation must educate themselves on this issue and be a vital part of the solution. When is a Child Considered Obese? The most accurate way to determine obesity is through the Body Mass Index (BMI) and actual measuring of the body mass composition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Utilizing a height for weight and age chart doctors is capable of defining a child’s body mass index for his or her age (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The recommended BMI for a child’s age will determine if they are at a proper weight, overweight, or obese. Many families are unaware of this index and fail to understand where their child may be in accordance with medical guidelines. When discussing the standards for children age two to twenty, the average BMI...
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...Childhood Obesity “The rise of childhood Obesity has placed the health of an entire generation at risk”. Tom Vilsack says it all, he states that the climb of childhood obesity places the following generations at an immense health risk. Obesity controls thirty-five percent of school age children, keeping them from participating in sports and activities, it makes the simplest tasks harder, and it puts their entire future at major risk. Not to mention the outrageous health costs that come along with being obese. Parents and schools need to step up and take control. Childhood Obesity is a big problem in the U.S and all over the world, as a society we need to solve this epidemic and find ways to prevent this from recurring in the coming generations....
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...Children and Obesity Sharletta Guy-Pope SOC490: Social Science Capstone Raqota Berger June 18, 2012 Introduction Due to the growing concern and increase prevalence of childhood obesity around the world the population of children as it relates to childhood obesity indicates that these children will suffer even greater as adults. This increasing concern has become a public health issue and a social issue with children. Furthermore, research shows that the media plays an important role in the current epidemic of childhood obesity, which also has become a social issue with children. The increasing amounts of junk food and fast food advertisements, that target children and adolescents, have an effect on the outcome of their health and nutritional habits; these advertisements shift away from good nutritional practices. Food advertisements that advertise unhealthy foods such as foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol (junk foods) puts children at risk for high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, both of which causes heart disease later on in life, which are precursors of cardiovascular disease resulting in childhood obesity. Sociocultural Factors Gender Society, culture, and the media send children powerful messages about body weight and shape ideals. For girls; ideas that are stressed in the media include the "thin ideal" and urging to diet and exercise, which can put pressure on girls to be thin, putting them...
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...A.Thesis Statement. Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S and around the world. This is a problem that should be addressed at all levels of a child’s life. The best action that can be taken is to inform people of the problem, and to give them the knowledge to fight obesity in kids. The number of kids affected by obesity is roughly 20% of kids ages 6-11 today in the US (Ferry, 2012). Obesity can cause many other health issues within a child's life such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and also self-esteem issues. B. Annotated Bibliography Ferry, R. (2012). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/obesity_in_children/article_em.html According to the above website, majority of the information given within the article is common sense when it comes to parents making the correct food choices for their children. This article gives many good facts about the number of kids affected by this problem. For example, “Although rare in the past, obesity is now among the most widespread medical problem affecting children and adolescents living in the United States and other developed countries (Ferry, 2012). In the article Ferry discussed how technology has affected the activity level of children. Furthermore, the lack of parental guidance has caused children to be less active. Instead of children going outside and playing sports they are inside playing on their computers, and watching television. About...
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...Technologies: Fueling Childhood Obesity Epidemic Name ENG 122 Instructor June 20, 2011 Technologies: Fueling Childhood Obesity Epidemic Nintendo DS, Wii, Play Station, X-Box 360, or computers what kid doesn’t love them right? How many owners of these devices suffer from obesity? Obesity now affects 20% of U.S. children, according to the National Center for Health statistics, a U.S. government agency. Obesity occurs when an individual takes in more calories in the form of food than he or she burns for energy. With recent popularity in new technologies, children are not exercising as much as they did in the past, and childhood obesity is becoming a wide spread epidemic in today’s society. Childhood obesity is an ever growing struggle amongst our society today. Most health experts believe childhood obesity is the result of a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Environment factors that contribute to childhood obesity include activity levels, diets, and eating habits. These factors can easily be maintained, or improved in a young individual’s routine with the help of the peers around them. Parents are the ones who should be acting as positive role models for their children. If an obese child has and obese parent they may think that it is just genetic, but in fact it could be due to poor eating habits ( consumption of excessive amounts of calories), or lack of physical activities. Recent studies show that on average kids among...
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...Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects our children and adolescent. This topic has become an all so familiar topic of discussion among health organizations in the United States. Obesity is an increase in body weight resulting from excessive accumulation of body fat relative to lean body mass (Hockenberry, 2008). Childhood obesity, by either definition, has become an epidemic that every community is currently facing and should be correcting. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a child at or above the 95th percentile as obese (Harper, 2006). Childhood obesity can lead to death, which is a devastating thing that can occur. This disease can also be defined as a genetic disorder. Looking at the historical significance and natural life history it is not a surprise that childhood is addressed as one of Health People’s 2010’s objectives (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). Primary, secondary and tertiary interventions can be done by agencies, the community and especially the community health nurse to reduce childhood obesity. The first step in the effort is to correct the problem and look at the historical significance. Primary interventions are interventions that prevent the problem. (Nies and McEwen, 2007). Increase in physical activity and education on health food choices in required health education classes are primary interventions for childhood obesity. An increase in physical activity can truly...
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...Running head: Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society 1 Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society Elizabeth Widmeyer Western Governors University Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society 2 Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in America's society that is having an astronomical impact on the health of our children and our health care system. But, what exactly does it mean to label a child obese? According to Mayo Clinic (2014) “Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat.” Body fat is measured using the body mass index (BMI). A child's BMI is calculated by dividing their height by their weight. The calculation would then be graphed with their age in months to determine their growth percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). A child is considered obese if they are in the 95th percentile or higher . A child who falls in the 85th - 95th is considered overweight and is at risk of becoming obese (KidsHealth, n.d.). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014) there are 12.5 million Americans between the ages of 2 to 19 that are obese. Race, physical activity level and eating habits are three main components that can lead to obesity in children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...
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...Outline Topic: Childhood Obesity in the United States General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about the childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S. Thesis Statement: While there are many causes of childhood obesity, the two main culprits are eating too much and exercising too little but there can be solutions to these causes. Organizational Pattern: Topical Introduction I. Take a look around you the next time you go to the mall. A. Take a look around you the next time you go to the stores. B. What you will see is what has seemingly become the new trend among children. C. What you will see has become a big problem- literally, and is growing each year. II. The topic I am speaking about is childhood obesity. A. Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese. B. According to the article “America, 100 Percent Fat” by Martica Hearner, the current generation of children is the first ever to be predicted to die younger than their parents. (Heaner, Martica. “America, 100 Percent Fat.” MSN Health and Fitness.) III. Today, I will discuss the two main causes of childhood obesity: eating too much and exercising too little, as well as solutions that could be made to reduce these causes. Transition: We’ll start off by looking at how eating too much contributes to childhood obesity. Body I. Eating too much has commonly been recognized as a major culprit in regards to childhood obesity. A. The Center...
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...Childhood Obesity In today's society childhood obesity is considered to be an epidemic. The increase in obesity is not caused by the change in the gene pool, but rather by the change in the environment. This causes vulnerable populations to express the obesity phenotype (Stune, 1999). One in seven children ages 6-17 are considered to be obese. Most nutritionists will say that this is do to the lack of parental guidance. A child's parents should teach their child proper eating habits so that they won't run across problems in the future (Tomlin, 1999). According to the article Facts about childhood Obesity and Overweightness, obese children are statistically not active, and their diets are high in fats and low in energy foods, like carbohydrates . Most doctors will calculate a child's body mass index (BMI), to figure out just how overweight a child is. If a child's BMI is over 30, they are considered obese. In order to calculate one's BMI, you would divide the your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters (Mokdad, 1999). What causes obesity? Weight gain among children is likely due to a combination of factors including: poor dietary habits, genetic makeup, family lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and a child's ethnicity. Obesity is more prevalent among Hispanic, African-American and American Indian children, particularly girls (Mayohealth.org 1997). Overweight children are not necessarily overeaters. Unfortunately, much of the food they...
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...AP Photo/LisA BiLLings Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 w w w.americanprogress.org Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 Contents 1 Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity 3 Introduction and summary 6 Provisions included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that address childhood obesity 6 Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project 7 Nutrition labeling 7 Community Transformation Grants 9 Broader measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to tackle childhood obesity 9 Prevention and public health 15 Primary care and coordination 18 Community-based Care 20 Maternal and child health 22 Research: Doing what works in obesity prevention 23 Data provisions that will help with tracking and providing improved outcomes to measure obesity prevention 25 What else is needed? 27 Beyond health care 29 Conclusion 30 Appendix: The White House Childhood Obesity Initiative 32 Endnotes 34 About the authors Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity Our nation’s children today are on track to have a lower life expectancy than their parents The obesity epidemic poses serious health problems for children including cardiovascular disease,...
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...Obesity and Children Kimberly Jordan English Comp 122 Hope Phillips Umansky February 21, 2011 Childhood obesity has been on the rise by 20% in children ages 6 to 11 and that number is triple for children under the age of six. This is posing a serious issue with many health and social consequences that may often continue into adulthood. Research on childhood on obesity is showing that family eating patterns are a crucial factor and environmental and lifestyle are all contributing factors. The responsibility for this national epidemic is the question. Who is responsible for these children’s lifestyle and eating habits which all play an important part in childhood obesity? The first question to answer is what is childhood obesity? According to the Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic, Childhood Obesity 2010), “childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. Generally consumption of foods high in sugar and fats lead to obesity.” According to research, we all have and need fat tissue in our bodies. (UM, 2010) When there is too much body fat, the result is obesity (Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers, 2007, Saunders). There are many factors that contribute to causing obesity including: physical activity, lifestyle, eating habits, environment, family and genetic inheritance (Mayo clinic, childhood Obesity...
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...Childhood obesity has grown into an epidemic within the last 30 years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011), “7% of children were considered obese in the U.S. in 1980, and by 2008, it was nearly 20%. Additionally, the incidence of obesity among adolescent children, aged 12-19 years, grew from 5% to 18% over the same time period” (CDC, 2011). Coincidentally, over the past 30 years, more parents are working, not only every day, but longer hours, and in many cases both parents are working. Is the rat race killing our kids? There is an epidemic of parents who are too tired or lazy to engage their children, and have begun relying on the T.V., computers, or video games to occupy and entertain them. Also, the evolution of new technology has children involved with a screen of some sort, whether it’s a T.V., video game, cell phone, computer, etc, hence researchers have coined the term, “screen time.” This behavior of instant gratification has created an environment of sedentary behavior, as well as fostering a lack of personal interaction with others. The increase in screen time has become a normal way for parents to occupy their children while they are busy doing tasks of their own or resting after a long day at work. This paper will show that as a society, everyone should be proactive, take responsibility, and offer support and encouragement to promote appropriate physical activity in children. Children must be shown that there are more things to do outside...
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...Childhood Obesity Veronica Titus ENG 122: English Composition II Prof. Matthew Norsworthy February 20, 2012 Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a result of unhealthy food choices and not enough exercise. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, “children and adolescents are eating more food away from home and drinking more sugar- sweetened drinks, and snacking more frequently.” (Nutrition and eating habits, 2009) The department further explains,” Convenience has become a main criterion for American’s food choices.” (Nutrition and Eating habits, 2009) A family's socioeconomic status is based on family income, parental education level, parental occupation, and social status in the community. (Demarest, E.J., Reisner E.R., Anderson L.M., Humphrey D.C., Farquhar E., and Stein, S.E. 1993) Socioeconomic status and limited physical activity are the biggest factors in childhood obesity. The Forum on Public Policy reports, “Obesity appears to be more prevalent in the low SES segments of American society regardless of the type of community.(Forum on Public Policy, 2008) This crisis is now being referred to as an epidemic. “In children today, obesity is the most common metabolic and nutritional disease, where 30 years ago, obesity was rarely seen in children. (Ahmad, Ahmad, & Ahmad. 2010). A child in their adolescent years tends to mirror the parents in the home. If the adult is overweight, usually the child tends to be overweight as well. One of the...
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