...Childhood Obesity is an epidemic that is sweeping across the nation. In the past thirty years alone, the number of obese adolescents in the country has quadrupled. This is due to a caloric imbalance, meaning more calories are consumed than burned. In the past, childhood obesity was prevented much more successfully than today due to children walking to and from school, much less time spent using technology, home cooked meals consisting of proper portions, and many other healthier choices than we see today. Childhood obesity leads to many other health issues with both immediate and long-term effects. Obese children are at a high risk for pre-diabetes, an immediate effect that indicates high levels of glucose, putting them at a severe risk for...
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...Childhood Obesity An American Epidemic By Annissia Y. Pate Is childhood obesity an American epidemic? The answer is yes. An epidemic is defined by a wide spread outbreak of a condition where many people are infected at the same time. Epidemic obesity is occurring all over the world. Children are eating less healthy foods and engaging in less healthy activities. Childhood obesity is not limited to any specific race or type of child, but obesity is affecting children in the United States. Today, American children are more obese than medical science recommends, and their body weight is still increasing. Childhood obesity has become one of the largest health concerns in the United States. According to the Center of Disease and Control, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Children are gaining weight due to lack of physical activity and types of quantity of food they consume. Kids today are content with sitting on the couch, spending countless hours, watching television and playing video games. We need to encourage children to get up and get involved in more physical activities. Lack of exercise is simply not enough for a growing child’s body to deal with increased caloric intake of today’s modern diet. Children must participate in gym class and make every effort to deal in sports after school. Parents must make a diligent effort to offer healthier chooses for meals. Fast foods, sugary drinks and processed...
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...Obesity has become an epidemic in American Society. Since the nineteen eighties childhood obesity rates have tripled and have started in earlier in age. In high school students obesity rates have risen by fifteen percent. In four states obesity rates for adults have exceeded thirty five percent. Obesity is being portrayed as being beautiful, which people should be comfortable in their own skin, but the health effects that obesity causes is far from beautiful. Nearly seventy eight million adults and almost thirteen million children are obese in the United States. In the 1950's the percentage of obese adults was only ten percent, and has now risen to thirty five percent. An adult is averaged to weigh twenty six more pounds more than...
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...There is an epidemic in America and it is called “Childhood Obesity.” “Obese,” from the Latin word “obesus,” means “grow fat by eating.” (Dalton, 2004) This term’s origin suggests that overeating is the major cause of the obesity epidemic. Teaching obese children to eat less is essential. But modifying behavior is no simple task, and eating too much is not the sole cause of obesity. Other factors play a role and must be understood in order to reverse this epidemic and produce healthier children. The growing number of obese children in America are victims of an epidemic just as surely as if they were infected by a virus. Americans tend to think of an epidemic as an outbreak of a contagious illness. But to physicians the sudden increase in obesity rates that have occurred in the twentieth century is every bit as unexpected as an outbreak of a new infectious disease and has triggered an alarm that might greet the rising of polio. Julie Gerberding, the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the fall of 2003, declared obesity the number one health threat facing America. (Okie, 2005) The causes (nature) of this epidemic are complex and include genetic, biological and behavioral factors. These include, but are not limited to poor eating habits, overeating, the lack of exercise, family history of obesity, cardiac, endocrine or neurological problems, life changing events or stress, along with family or peer problems and low self-esteem or emotional...
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...Obesity is considered to be a global epidemic that is linked to early mortality and severe morbidity rates (Ko et al., 2007). The prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States has increased a lot over the last thirty years. This causes a problem, since being obese may create other problems for these youths as adults, specifically diabetes and chronic illness. There are many causes for obesity: increased access to foods high in fats and sugars, larger portion sizes, increased calorie intake, and sedentary lifestyles (Sylvetsky et al., 2013). Obesity increases the risk of several chronic illnesses, some that can even be fatal diseases. Furthermore, obesity is currently one of the most avoidable causes of morbidity (Miles, Rapoport, Wardle,...
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...Childhood Obesity in the U.S. : A Growing Epidemic Unfortunately, for various reasons many U.S. parents find it difficult to acknowledge that their children are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is becoming a growing epidemic in the United States; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among children has more than doubled over the past 20 years, generating numerous physical, social and psychological problems for the children. "Obesity is a condition resulting from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index." Dictionary.com, LLC, (2009). The causes of childhood obesity are multiple and the consequences of this growing epidemic endanger the child's well-being. Happily, childhood obesity can be treated; physical activity, diet management, and behavior modification can bring an obese child to its normal body weight, returning them their physical and psychological health. What are the differences from THEN to NOW? When I say THEN, I am referring to a much simpler time; the time around the 1950’s. At that time children walked to school while now they usually ride a bus or are driven by a parent. Then family meals were eaten at a table while these days’ meals are most often fast food, eaten in cars on the way from one place or activity to another...
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... Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious health issue with many health and social consequences which many remains with them into adulthood. It is important to implement prevention programs as well as getting a better understanding for children to help control the obesity epidemic. To better respond to this issues and those similar to it, Healthy People 2020 has been promoting healthy choices that parent can make to help lower the risks of obesity in the children. There are many agencies that are responsible for addressing and managing the affect of obesity in children. The Department of transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency are working together to help promote walking and biking to school as a way to increase the level of exercise for children. Also the United State’s Department of Agriculture or USDA is also working towards providing new Dietary Guidelines and Food Pyramid as well as helping with legislation to improve school food. The Role of Health Agencies Physical activity is one of many indicators of health defined in the most current version of Healthy People. One of the main results of lack of activities is obesity mainly in children. Obesity in children is a health issue that most health care providers that serve the pediatric community have to deal with and are looking for possible solutions. It is very important for health care agencies to promote health lifestyles and in this case exercise, and healthy eating habit. Obesity in children...
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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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...Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Definition, Causes and Preventions There is an epidemic that is plaguing the children of the United States of America. That epidemic is known as childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is an important issue because of the staggering proportions that this disease has reached in the past 30 years. Childhood obesity is also a major concern for parents, teachers, and the medical community with differing beliefs and theories on causes and prevention. Laziness, genetics, technology and parenting are factors which contribute to this issue, also peer pressure and social circles also create an epidemic of overweight or obese children. So the cause of this epidemic is not always parenting or the lack of good nutrition or exercise,...
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...2011 Childhood obesity has become one of the most predominant health problems facing our nation today. Its prevalence in the United States is such that it is considered an epidemic that has a powerful, adverse impact on the well-being of our society. Childhood obesity affects all aspects of a child’s life; most significantly by contributing to poor health and negative social perceptions by society. Extensive research of this issue has identified numerous causal and risk factors associated with obesity. Given the multifaceted nature of the problem, and its severe implications for the future health and well-being of affected children, I believe that the most effective solutions will be achieved through programs that focus on prevention efforts. This thesis begins with a definition of the obesity epidemic, followed by a discussion of research into the multiple causal factors associated with childhood obesity. Particular emphasis is placed on prevention and intervention programs in the school environment, as many of the efforts to address childhood obesity have been school-based. This thesis also concludes the causes of obesity, environmental factors, biological, genetic, and dietary behaviors, the cost of obesity, and so much more. Recent studies and surveys provide clear evidence that children and adolescents are becoming overweight and, more significantly, obese at increasingly younger ages. Statistical evidence demonstrates that obesity has become a true epidemic that needs...
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...CLC Yellow Team Health Issue Analysis: Childhood Obesity Yellow Group Grand Canyon University: NUR- 508 August 20, 2014 Cultural Beliefs and Influences Relative to Childhood Obesity According to Opalinski, (2013), childhood obesity is increasing in all racial groups. Cultural beliefs play a unique contribution in relation to this chronic condition. Evidence shows that place of origin is one of the factors contributing to having kids who are not as healthy as people were just a few decades ago. Based on the literature, minority populations specifically Hispanics (Hispanic) and African American children are at higher risk compared to other ethnicities. Pulgaron et al., (2013), explains the relationship of Hispanic children and cultural factors affecting the rate of obesity among this population. The literature shows that Hispanic children who have grandparents helping in their caretaking had a negative impact on food choices and feeding habits due to the fact that in the Hispanic culture bigger means being healthier. The perception applied to the African American culture generally believes that a larger body size is equal to being healthy. Opalinski (2013) also reported that further investigation must be performed to better understand the relationship of cultural beliefs and childhood obesity. Religious/ Spiritual Beliefs In the United States a few studies were performed to investigate the association of religion and obesity. Based on the literature, social support...
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...Obesity and HRCA and PPACA Jody Forsyth University of Phoenix HCS 430 Norman Greene October 29, 2012 Obesity is a high priority medical problem currently affecting, experienced and fought throughout the United States. Over the last 30 years obesity has increased in children, adolescents and adults. Obesity has been affecting individuals for a long time however not until the 1980s did obesity become considered an epidemic with public health. The concern about the increase of obesity also affects the young children’s and adolescent’s health and effects their overall health and their future health as it relates to the complications of long term obesity. It has been reported that the obesity rates have double and childhood obesity have tripled [Young and Nicholas, 2011.] The most serious complications that can occur with the youth developing obesity related illness and disorders including cardiovascular complications. With the knowledge that obesity is affecting the youth and society as a whole, doctors and university studies are complying a better understanding of reasons behind this increase of obesity affecting children. Along with this some court system is getting involved in child and adolescent cases. As stated in a recent article in the Judicial Decision Extending neglect statutes of obesity, courts in California, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Michigan, and in New York are ruling against parents whose children...
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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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...Obesity in America’s Children Ann L. Stanford ENG 122 English Composition II Prof Louisa Verhaart January 20, 2014 Annotated Bibliography Clark, S., & Dittrich, L. (2010). Alternate fat taxes to control obesity. International Advances in Economic Research, 16(4), 388-394. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=da6fd1fc-d4b1-4774-ba2f-effd96f032e8%40sessionmgr4004&vid=3&hid=102 This paper takes a closer look at three different “fat taxes” as an approach to control the epidemic of obesity that is sweeping the nation. The decision to implement fat taxes was based on how effective the tobacco taxes reduced the number of adults were smoking in America. This reading does an excellent job at breaking down how the taxes are determined and specifically, which types of foods would be taxed. Huber, B. (2012 October 29). Michelle’s Moves. (First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move program). The Nation. 295(18), 11, 5. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/detail?vid=2&sid=fd1a6f48-ff03-4f55-b287-f021022605b1%40sessionmgr113&hid=102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.306624403 This article discusses First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move” initiative. It is discussed how Mrs. Obama urged the manufactures of many of the processed foods to cooperate with the government on new food labels, and to take a serious approach about reining...
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...Example Outline • Topic: Online Learning • Thesis Statement: Earning a degree online is great for working adults because it is convenient, economical, and allows them to learn with other working adults around the world. • Parent should watch what their children eat because childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic. A. Introduction 1. Are you super sizing your children? So many parents are feeding their children too much. Our children need to have examples set for them on how to eat healthy. Children also need to be taught how to incorporate more physical activities in their daily routines. Children will have major health risks if their eating habits are not changed. Parent should watch what their children eat because childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic. B. Supporting Paragraphs 2. Childhood obesity has increased dramatically over the years. i. A direct cause of obesity in children is the parents. ii. Many parents for decades have served large portions and expected children to eat all of the food the child (children) had on their plates. 1. Parents want to be comforting to their children. i. Giving your children food and overfeeding them is not a comfort when later in life can cause harm to your child. ii. Parents put their children at risk of having health complications each time food is shoved in front of them as a reward or comfort. ...
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