...Childhood Obesity Abstract Many early life risk factors for childhood obesity are more prevalent among blacks and Hispanics than among whites and may explain the higher prevalence of obesity among racial/ethnic minority children. Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care is a national priority, and obesity is a prime target. During the last 30 years in the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children has dramatically increased, sparing no age group. Obesity in childhood is associated with adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes and with other long-term adverse outcomes, including both physical and psychosocial consequences. By the preschool years, racial/ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence are already present, suggesting that disparities in childhood obesity prevalence have their origins in the earliest stages of life. Several risk factors during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of offspring obesity, including excessive maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and smoking during pregnancy, antenatal depression, and biological stress. During infancy and early childhood, rapid infant weight gain, infant feeding practices, sleep duration, child’s diet, physical activity, and sedentary practices are associated with the development of obesity. Studies have found substantial racial/ethnic differences in many of these early life risk factors for childhood obesity. It...
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...Health Campaign Tracie Caffee HCS/535 Concepts of Population Health September 26, 2011 Jean Ha Health Campaign According to (Dolinsky, Siega-Riz, Perrin & Armstrong, 2011). Childhood obesity is one of the most challenging problems facing pediatricians today. The increasing incidence of childhood obesity raised concern in 1990, when it was claimed that obesity had reached epidemic proportions. It was estimated that 18 million children under the age of five, worldwide were classified as being overweight (Lawrence, 2005). Obesity occurs when there is an abnormal amount of fat (adipose tissue) accumulated around the body, caused when people eat in excess of their energy requirements (Lawrence, 2005). Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese. Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled (www.cdc.gov). Let’s Move! Is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, Michelle Obama dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let’s Move! Is about putting children on the path for a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy...
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...Obesity is a serious problem in the United States affecting both children and adults. It is a disorder that involves a person having excessive body fat which can increase the risk of health problems. Obesity happens over time when you consume more calories than your body can burn off. This can differ from person to person so obesity is directly related to factors that might affect your weight including your “genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods, and not being physically active” (Obesity 2015). Obesity is a major issue concerning children that live in the United States. Although there has been a decline in childhood obesity rates among pre-school aged children in the recent years, childhood obesity rates are still very high. In the past decade, about 17% or 12.7 million children and adolescents form the age of 2-19 have been affected by childhood obesity (Galletta 2015). The prevalence of obesity in children varies among racial/ethnic groups, age, sex, and the education level of the adult head of the household. Obesity is more common among children whose caretakers did not complete high school as compared to children whose caretakers completed college. Studies showed that in the past decade, obesity rates among children of adults that completed college were half that of children of adults that did not complete college. Obesity also affects a vast number of adults in the United States. About 78.6 million adults in the United States currently are obese. That is more...
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...Advocacy Program on Childhood Obesity Name: Institutional Affiliation: Date: Part 1: Childhood Obesity Statistics and studies on childhood obesity indicate that obesity disproportionately affects individuals from racial minority groups and that the prevalence of the condition is increasing among such populations. Childhood obesity is a significant health issue that has numerous consequences on the affected persons and their families. The increase in childhood obesity incidences among minority populations arises from economic, cultural, and political conditions that have had an impact on the environments in which children from such groups grow. According to Caprio, Daniels, Drewnowski, Kaufman, Palinkas, Rosenbloom, & Schwimmer (2008), minority populations such as Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and African Americans experience higher prevalence rates of childhood obesity than other ethnic groups. For instance, non-Hispanic whites had 14.1%, non-Hispanic blacks had 20.2%, and the Hispanics recorded 22.4% of childhood obesity (Ogden et al., 2014). The prevalence of childhood obesity also depends on other factors such as the literacy levels of the household heads and the gender and age of the children. Members of minority populations experience numerous challenges accessing affordable health care, healthy foods and live in neighborhood environments that predispose them to obesity. Although childhood obesity is caused by several factors, the...
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...Abstract The problem of childhood obesity in the United States has grown significantly in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. 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. (cite) In my research paper, I first will examine the differences between overweight and obesity. Next, I will discuss the contributing factors of obese. In discussing this I will break down all the contributing factors and tell how they all play a role in obesity. I will also talk about the trends of obesity and how they affect children and teens. I will also address what organization CDC is working with to fight obesity and how they plan on accomplishing this. Lastly, I will tackle the impact obesity will have on health care especially teen obesity. Obesity rates in the United States are among the highest in the world. Obesity amongst children has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1% in 2008. Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. (cite CDC website). The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been...
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...Journal of Medicine: Incidence of Childhood Obesity in the United States General Summary: Childhood Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. Prevalence data has been documented; however, gaps in the incidence study still exist. Thus, a study was conducted on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health in order to track the incidence of obesity. The National Center for Educational Statistics selected a nationally representative cohort using probability sampling. Children who were starting kindergarten in the fall semester of 1998 were followed up until they reached the eight grade for data collection; cumulative incidence shows the 9-year risk of obesity. Variables were selected such as height, weight, parent-reported age, sex, race, ethnic group, socioeconomic status, and birth weight. Study showed that although the prevalence of obesity increased with age, incident obesity was highest at the youngest ages and declined through eighth grade. The lowest cumulative incidence according to socioeconomic factors was among children from wealthy families and the highest was among children from the middle socioeconomic quintile. Importance of Article: Childhood Obesity is an important concern for the community and this article does a great job detailing why. Childhood Obesity affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disorder for children. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension...
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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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...Obesity in Children After reading the material for this week, the student began to research obesity in middle childhood. The student discovered the causes of middle childhood obesity, the effect of obesity on a child’s health, psychosocial, and cognitive development, and ways to counteract obesity in middle childhood. The student has provided information on obesity solutions in her area, a national program to help stop childhood obesity, and has suggested other ways to help stop childhood obesity. The Causes of Childhood Obesity Genetic factors contribute to childhood obesity (Parke & Gauvain, 2009). Obese children often remain obese throughout his or her lives. Children suffering from obesity often have obese biological parents. Children adopted by normal-weight adoptive parents may become obese if the child’s biological parents are obese. According to Parke and Gauvain (2009), studies have shown that infants who have overweight parents are more responsive to the difference between sweet-tasting solutions and water. The preference for sweets at a young age increases the risk of childhood obesity. Middle childhood obesity also derives from the child’s role-model’s eating pattern and behavior (Parke & Gauvain, 2009). If the parent or role-model is eating junk food, lives a sedentary life, and watches too much television, the child is likely to do the same. Parents encouraging and prompting children to eat more because of his or her size contributes to child obesity...
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...Childhood Obesity David Sholl Western Governors University Task 3 Childhood Obesity Part A: Description of the Problem The primary focus of the literature review will be childhood obesity among American children between the ages of five and eighteen years. Most parents are not aware that their children have problems until they become overweight. For instance, in a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, about 49% of American parents believed that their children were of average size. However, after physical examinations, a team of physicians classified them as overweight. Central adiposity is one of the symptoms of childhood obesity. Children with excessive accumulation of fat around the abdominal area are either overweight or obese. Inability to cope with abrupt physical activities is another symptom. Numerous studies indicate that overweight children have diminished physical stamina because their bodies carry excess weight. Snoring is the other notable symptom of childhood obesity. As fat accumulates around the neck region, it obstructs the windpipe leading to snoring among children. Childhood obesity is now a pandemic in the U.S, and has become a national health crisis. One in every three children in America aged between two and eighteen years are considered overweight or obese. The life-threatening problems of obesity create a critical and compelling call for action that should not be ignored. According to numerous sources obesity is related...
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...Public Health Issue: Childhood Obesity Anna Walker, the Healthcare Commission Chief Executive explained that "Childhood obesity is a serious health problem that can follow people much later into life. It is a causal factor in a number of chronic diseases and conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes” (Audit Commission 2006). The World Health Organisation, describes obesity as having “reached global epidemic proportions, with more than 1.6 billion adults overweight, at least 400 million of those clinically obese” (WHO 2005). In England, the Department of Health (DH), states that almost “1 in 4 adults are currently obese and projects that 9 in 10 adults will either be overweight or obese if this issue is not addressed.” Obesity is therefore an important public health issue and this essay will focus on childhood obesity as a Parliament report states that overweight children and adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, it also implies more public resources over a longer time period. If obesity carries on into adulthood, in a hospital setting, the patient’s weight can have an impact on the health of NHS staff, as is already being noted by Unions (Mansfield, 2007). Epidemiology will be used to examine childhood obesity in children aged 2 to 10 within England and the relevant policies implemented in an attempt to reduce this ‘epidemic.’ The role of the nurse in helping to tackle the nationwide problem will also...
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...Obesity Rising in America Florida State College of Jacksonville People are becoming more obese in America. According to Ferraro and Kelley-Moore (2003), "The number of people in America considered obese has been steadily rising since the 1960s, up 12 % since then. Obesity is not to be confused with being overweight. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines (NHLBI)" (p.708). Ferraro and Kelley-Moore (2003) go on to claim that, “Obesity is an important mediating variable between socioeconomic status and health. Persons of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be obese, and the effect of obesity reduces the independent association between socioeconomic status and health measures” (p.724). There are many arguments about what is causing obesity, poor diet, genetics and low socioeconomic status are just a few factors blamed for obesity. Adler and Stewart (2009) reinforce Ferraro and Kelley-Moore’s findings of the correlations between socioeconomic status and obesity, “Environment also plays a role in obesity. Poor communities lack health promoting resources; for example, poorer communities have fewer supermarkets, more fast-food restaurants, and fewer accessible and safe recreational opportunities” (p.49-50). In the next ten years obesity will be at its highest rates if it continues on this path. With...
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...Childhood Obesity Introduction One of the current health problems that attract a good deal of attention is childhood obesity. Indeed, the alarming increase in the number of children who become overweight leads to a need for effective health educations. This report will describe the magnitude of childhood obesity and suggest some health education as solutions. Literature review Some studies on childhood obesity and the role of health education in preventing such a health problem were conducted. Lanigan and Power (2008) indicated the growth in the incidence of this health issue and considered parents as health educators who help their children avoid obesity. By using a large body of evidence from an online survey held by the Washington University in 2006-2007, the researchers suggested various ways in which parents can achieve controlling their children’s obesity. Thanks to this article’s findings, the role of education in solving childhood obesity which is included in my research topic is strengthened. Hutchinson (2010) implied the effects of school-based education on reducing the number of overweight children. By examining the outcomes of Rachael Dixey’s and Janet Wordley’s study (2010) in a variety of school programs concerning childhood obesity, the authors showed that educating children about physical activities and nutrition at school help prevent childhood obesity. The article is helpful to my research topic because its reports improve the importance of health education...
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...issue to be discussed is childhood obesity in Lewisham Borough. The essay will define population health, and give a brief overview of childhood obesity. It will give the rationale why the writer decided to write on this issue. The essay will describe the population, and explain briefly why it is important. It will explore the factors that influence this particular population including geographical location, neighbourhood, educational attainment, family members, peer groups, social economic factors and culture as well as ethnicity. It will critically discuss the health profile of the population group and exploring the factors that lie beneath the profile. More importantly, the essay will analyse the main factors that influence the contemporary health of the given population in relation the determinants of health of the population health as well as the indicators of the population's risk and morbidity rates. It will look at the health needs of the population and examine the external and internal factors that could influence their behaviours and choice. It will make conclusion and recommendations on how to improve this health issue and enable the writer to understand the subject in great depth. The primary reason why the writer has chosen to focus on childhood obesity is because she wants to meet the learning outcomes of the module in order to pass the course. Other rationale is to improve her knowledge and understanding of childhood obesity, as it is one of the greatest public...
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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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...Children with Obesity Written By Michelle Milewski 8/2/2015 Professor pike Liberty University English 101 D-01 APA Abstract Childhood Obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed countries. Children in the United States form ages 6-11 years old “Who were obese increased from 7 percent in 1980 and nearly 18 percent in 2012” (CDC - Obesity - Facts - Adolescent and School Health, 2015). Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have significant impact on both physical and psychological health problems. Here’s a question who’s to blame for childhood obesity? Obesity is the largest concern in our country, but it is just not our country. This has gone worldwide. One of the problems is that the fast food restaurants are supersizing their products and decreasing the cost. This is what causes childhood obesity. As the saying goes you are what you eat as our nation grows so does the appetite of many American children. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV - Or do you not know that your body is a, n.d.) Who is to blame for the childhood obesity the parents or the children? Some will say either why? simply this is the parents is the one who orders or buy’s the food. The parents are the ones who lets their children snack on Junk food such as chips, candy, mountain dew, monster energy...
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