...Parental Influence on Childhood Obesity ENG122 Kim Hartleb March 21, 2012 Instructor Mindy Hamilton Parental Influence on Childhood Obesity A sobering medical condition, called Childhood obesity, has affected children and adolescents in today’s world. Overweight resulting in men, women, and children who are obese is the result of “caloric imbalance” and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors (Dietz, 1998). The definition of overweight is having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors (CDC, 2011). Based on research it is clear that the development of healthy eating habits starts with parental style, relationships, and how a family manages and functions that may help reduce childhood obesity. There are many health issues among obese children and adolescents that range from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, social discrimination, and heart disease. All of these issues mentioned can be detrimental in self-esteem and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 17 percent of U.S. children ages two to nineteen years are overweight (Kuczmarski et al. 2002) and nearly another 17 percent are at risk for overweight. The psychosocial risks in obese children can hinder academic and social functioning and these children are targets for social discrimination. In comparison to obese girls and boys to non-obese girls and boys were less likely...
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...Thesis: Child obesity is not essentially a reflection of parental negligence. There has been an increase in prevalence of severe childhood obesity and its associated comorbidities. Children became obese through an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Obesity has a substantial adverse effect on a child’s welfare. It brings about both immediate and deferred psychosocial and medical health problems that affect several organs in the body. Some of the consumables that cause obesity are out of parents’ control. Products can modestly be advertised as healthy by using phrases such as 'honest food' and 'reduced fat’ while in reality they are far from that. It may be very easy for parents to fall into traps and buy such products hoping that its fat content is high. If the consumables cause obesity to the child, it will not be because of the parent ignorance but because of the unethical nature of corporations, mass media and consumer protection agencies (Hedley, 2004). Businesses should portray a sincere understanding of a healthy diet. Most parents provide healthy foods for their kids especially when they are with them (Abdulrahman, 2011). However, most children spend a greater portion of their childhood away from the parents either with friends or in school. The friends or classmates may eat junk and since most children are not independent to make their own unique decisions and also due to mob psychology, the child might decide to take the fatty foods too. Children are also known...
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...Running Head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Why It’s The Parent’s Responsibility Brian Rodgers ENG 122 Professor Higgins December 18, 2012 CHILDHOOD OBESITY 2 America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Why It’s The Parent’s Responsibility As kids, most of us can remember an elderly adult harmlessly coming up and pinching our cute, pudgy cheeks. For something that at one time was considered cute, this act now represents a national epidemic threatening the health of our country’s youth. As the number of overweight and obese children drastically increases, new arguments are forming as to where the responsibility falls. Several states have begun developing laws that are including poor nutritional and lifestyle choices by parents in the category of neglect and abuse. As new studies and research pour in showing that obesity has a direct relation to multiple severe health issues, it has become increasingly common knowledge. With this era being deemed the “technology age”, finding this information is easy and accessible to just about every person in the United States. This new found access to information and the amount of information available showing obesity causes health problems and even death; parents have become responsible for monitoring their child’s...
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...Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 Childhood Obesity Diane Troche English 122 Prof. Yanessa Page September 11, 2012 1 1. Childhood Obesity Diane Troche... Good job with organizing the contents of your title page and running head according to APA format! Perfect! [TA King] [YaShekia King] -1- Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY While we were growing up our parents and grandparents had time to cook us healthy and wholesome meals, but due to the changes in the times that is not the case anymore and the percentage of children with childhood obesity has increased dramatically. Childhood obesity is it genetic or is it a sign of the times that as parents are we too consumed or overwhelmed with work, school, and financial responsibilities that there is not enough time in a day to properly prepare a wholesome and healthy meals? Many people in today’s society would like to blame it on genetics but they often overlook the aspects of parental influence and family structure. 3 2 1 2 1. While Good job with this topic sentence! This paragraph contains a topic sentence that gives the paper direction, sets up the rest of the paragraph, and connects back to the thesis. Note though that the writing needs to be objective and impersonal and in the third person unless otherwise stated in the assignment guidelines, per APA style. [TA King] [YaShekia King] 2. structure. Your introduction is well done! It includes a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your paper will be...
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...Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 Childhood Obesity Diane Troche English 122 Prof. Yanessa Page September 11, 2012 1 1. Childhood Obesity Diane Troche... Good job with organizing the contents of your title page and running head according to APA format! Perfect! [TA King] [YaShekia King] -1- Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY While we were growing up our parents and grandparents had time to cook us healthy and wholesome meals, but due to the changes in the times that is not the case anymore and the percentage of children with childhood obesity has increased dramatically. Childhood obesity is it genetic or is it a sign of the times that as parents are we too consumed or overwhelmed with work, school, and financial responsibilities that there is not enough time in a day to properly prepare a wholesome and healthy meals? Many people in today’s society would like to blame it on genetics but they often overlook the aspects of parental influence and family structure. 3 2 1 2 1. While Good job with this topic sentence! This paragraph contains a topic sentence that gives the paper direction, sets up the rest of the paragraph, and connects back to the thesis. Note though that the writing needs to be objective and impersonal and in the third person unless otherwise stated in the assignment guidelines, per APA style. [TA King] [YaShekia King] 2. structure. Your introduction is well done! It includes a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your paper will be...
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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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...Obesity in America Rough Draft Jeremy Stewart ENG 122 English Composition II Instructor: Jennifer Chagala October 02, 2014 Obesity in America It is a shame that more people die in the United States from eating too much food, while in other countries people die from not having enough. Obesity is a rising health epidemic across the nation, and it is a duel responsibility of the government as well as society to do all that they can, starting in the individual home to encourage healthy eating in order to reverse this development and preserve the next generation. Obesity has officially become an epidemic in America. It is debatably one the most noticed public health problems that America faces today. In 2009,...
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...RESEARCH PROJECT IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY Parental Influence: Implications for the Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity Abstract The overall purpose of this study was to investigate whether parents serve as role models in influencing their children’s weight-related behaviours. Participants were 60 random parents of children from Barbados. Unlike previous research studies, the correlation analyses of this study indicated that the junk food or fast foods children consumed was negatively associated with the amount of income made by the parents or their education level. Although it was found that some children do model their parents’ behaviour when it comes to healthy food choices, the findings show that parents do not enforce the healthy eating practices unto their children. This study did not support the theory that children model adult eating behaviours on their own. Parental Influence: Implications for the Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity Some researchers in public health have concluded that the problem of early childhood obesity has reached near-epidemic proportions (Deckelbaum & Williams 2001; Puhl & Latner 2007). The problem of early childhood obesity and overweight appears to be on-going without implementation of early detection and prevention strategies (Stegelin 2008). The causes most commonly identified with the increase in early childhood obesity are inadequate physical activity, sedentary lifestyle...
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...example. (30 pts) CAN MEDICATION CURE OBESITY IN CHILDREN? A Review of the Literature In March 2004, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona called attention to a health problem in the United States that, until recently, we have overlooked: childhood obesity. Carmona highlighted that the “astounding” 15% child obesity rate constitutes an “epidemic.” Since the early ‘80s, that rate has “doubled in children and tripled in adolescents.” Now more than nine million children are classified as obese. While the traditional response to a medical epidemic is to hunt for a vaccine or a cure-all pill, childhood obesity has proven more elusive. Lacking success of recent initiatives suggests that medication mightn’t be the answer for the escalating problem. In this literature review, I will consider whether the use of medication is a promising approach for solving the childhood obesity problem by responding to the following questions: 1. What are the implications of childhood obesity? 2. Is medication effective at treating childhood obesity? 3. Is medication safe for children? 4. Is medication the best solution? Understanding the limitations of medical treatments for children highlights the complexity of the childhood obesity problem in the United States and underscores the need for physicians, advocacy groups, and policymakers to search for other solutions. What Are the Implications of Childhood Obesity? Obesity can be a devastating problem from both...
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...The Impact of Television Food Advertising on Childhood Obesity Lara Klein Abstract Childhood obesity is a growing problem around the world, especially in the United State that is notably harmful as its effects are not only temporary but can have long term effects that can be taken into adulthood. Children’s food preferences are influenced by television advertising that focuses directly at children. It is furthermore concluded that children exposed to high amounts of television advertisements make poor food choices which leads to poor food consumption. Among other factors, parental influence is also critical and can change a child’s behavior towards food advertisement and food choices. Parents should look out to communicate advertisements’ effects to their children, and restrict the amount of time their children spend in front of the television. Moreover, governmental restrictions should be implemented to avoid persuasion of buying unhealthy foods to children at younger ages. The Impact of Television Food Advertising on Childhood Obesity INTRODUCTION According to Bacardi-Gascon and Jimenez-Cruz (2015), childhood obesity is a very serious topic in the United States these days, causing long term economic and social costs due to serious health problems, as well as an increase in morbidity and mortality. Research conducted by Bernhardt, Wilking, Gilbert-Diamond, Emond and Sargent has shown that the more television children watch, the likelihood that they are obese increases...
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...conditions, adequate housing, health education, food, and support with lifestyle changes. Other arrears includes re-orienting health care workers about health promotional teachings, and balancing individual emotions, physical ability, spiritual response, and social impact of lifestyle changes to create motivation towards achieving personal responsibility and desired healthcare goal. This author believes that health promotion can be achieved by individuals willing to participate fully in healthcare decisions in order to sustain progress and promote well-being by improving quality of life, even when living with a chronic condition. The purpose of health promotion is very important in nursing practice because nurses approach patients’ health problems through a holistic view. They work together with members of the healthcare team, to not only educate patients about illness management, but to focus their attention on teachings about staying healthy. According to the Center for Disease control, obesity now affects 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States - triple the rate from just one generation ago. (Childhood Overweight and Obesity, 2012) Nurses are obligated in situations like this to provide nutritional advice to parents, and inform them about weight management tools, calorie reduction and appropriate physical activities regimen. Nurses...
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...lifestyles are thought to be synonymous with watching too much television and childhood obesity has become a major issue in the United States. With all of the data and recommendations showing the negative affect television is causing, parents are in control of the issue right in their own homes. All that is needed is for them to assume responsibility. Television Is Affecting Children Negatively Over the last thirty years obesity has tripled in children ages 5 and up (Eaton, 2010). It is an epidemic that needs to be addressed in order to regain health among the nation’s children. While there is clearly more than one factor, technology has to take a major part of the blame along with parents. Children are spending too much time watching television and using systems such as Play Station and X-box. Computers are another source that takes away from activity Sedentary lifestyles are taking the place of wholesome activity-based play. Notice this child is sitting approximately three feet from the television and still uses a remote (see his left hand). His only activity appears to be eating potato chips and drinking soda. This image could be from any home in the country as sedentary lifestyles have become common. -based fun. Sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity go hand-in-hand and television watching can be blamed as a major part of the problem. However, if parents took responsibility for what their children were watching and how much they were watching, in order...
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...‘Obesity is a social issue because of parenting and family issues rather than a food issue. What role do families play in the increasing level of obesity in Australian children?’ Childhood obesity levels are rising in many countries throughout the world, including Australia. Numerous studies of Australian, overweight children, have shown obesity has doubled in recent years with 20% - 25% of children now considered obese or overweight (Batch & Baur 2005, p.130). The health and social problems associated with obesity in children are numerous, pushing health practitioners and researchers to uncover solutions for this issue. While evidence points to many dissimilar rationales, much emphasis is being placed upon parents and their role in educating and providing children with effective lifestyle behaviours, focussed on gaining control of the obesity wave. This essay explores the parent’s responsibilities and influences on their child’s weight; through nutritional choices, physical activity and screen time (television, computer and video games), as well as marital status and parenting styles. It will also discuss research showing genetics to be a large portion of the illustration into the world of childhood obesity, and could be the exception to placing blame on the family. Treatment programs for obese children are taking into account parental influences of food choices within the family. Parents are exclusively accountable for the procurement and preparation of healthy...
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...knowledge about the issues facing children who are struggling with obesity, with a primary focus on parental involvement. Parents need to understand the seriousness of allowing their children to consume whatever they want, and how much they want: We are seeing hypertension, heart disease, some cancers, breathing difficulties, and type II diabetes in more children today than ever before. Opposing arguments claim that it is not the fault of the parents; however, infants don’t have control over how much they are fed, and toddlers lack the cognitive development to make an informed decision about their food choices. Young children themselves are not to blame, so focus on parents seems reasonable. America is challenged with a growing rate of childhood obesity, and public knowledge regarding solutions remains inadequate. We can do a better job of promoting the issue by helping parents understand the seriousness of childhood obesity; the best way to approach this is likely through marketing. The Fight against Childhood Obesity The percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight and obese is now higher than ever before: Over the last 25 years, childhood obesity has more than quadrupled (Get America Fit Foundation, 2012). Childhood obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (a measurement calculated using a child's weight and height) that is at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Obesity is caused by long-term positive energy imbalance: When the total...
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...Child obesity is a very serious concern. Statistics state that one in every five children are obese. With a statistic so frightening, the question that is being raised is, who is the blame? I believe parents should be held accountable for child obesity because as parents they have the most influence and control over the childhood habits that may result in obesity. Child obesity is preventable if mothers and fathers realize the dramatic effect obesity has on the child and their future in society. Fast paced lives and tough economic times have made of all incomes and backgrounds busier than ever, constantly pressed for time and struggling to meet the demands of work and family life. With parents living in a time that is so rushed, parents are seemingly too tired or pressed for time or just simply not concerned and that results in them feeding their children whatever is quicker which most times it would be fast food restaurants that are passed on the way home. Some parents just lack the knowledge as to how to prepare a healthy fulfilling meal for their family so they also result to fast food or just something that is just not healthy for their kids that can be popped in the microwave. Despite the fast pace of the world in which children are being raised today, parents need to realize the importance of taking a time-out and being there for the needs of the family. This may include having to lose out on time in other areas in order to be home to cook a well prepared meal a few times...
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