Childhood Obesity in America

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 a major challenge for the nation that threatens the immediate health of our children (Nyberg, Burns and Parker, 2009, pp5). We all have to take a stand on this issue before it gets any worse than it already is. Approximately, one out of every six American children is considered obese (Nyberg, Burns and Parker, 2009, pp7). There are a lot of underlining reasons that can result in childhood obesity. One of the main factors of childhood obesity is genetics or heredity. Obesity amongst the parents produces a greater likelihood of producing an overweight or obese child. Therefore, we could all do our best by setting a good example for our children. A good way to set a good example is by getting and staying in shape. If we make better and healthier choices then our children will follow that example. What is obesity? Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat or adiposity. Adiposity is calculated by using body mass index. Body mass index measures a person’s weight in kilograms then divided by the square of that person’s height in meters (Obesity, 2006). Childhood obesity occurs when a child is above the normal weight for his or her age and height (Mayo Clinic, 2010). Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last thirty years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). It is outstanding at this rate if it triples again in thirty years more than half the children in America will be overweight. So we have to put a stop to it now before it gets totally out of hand. However, genetics can play a big role in childhood obesity. If at least one parent is obese it increases the child’s chances of becoming obese themselves (Deckelbaum, 2001). A child’s first experiences with food are made by the parents. Therefore, it can be extremely easy to over feed our children when they are young. Our children also learn from what they see and are around. So if a child sees their parent sitting in front of the television eating then they will think that is okay. Us as parents have a lot of say when it comes to what our children eat, drink and do with their time. There are many health problems attributed or linked to obesity that are now being seen in children either for the first time or with greater intensity. These include cardiovascular, metabolic, digestive, respiratory, skeletal, and psychosocial disorders (Daniels, 2006). Childhood obesity has been associated with low self esteem, childhood depression, and anxiety (Deckelbaum, 2001).Low self-esteem can lead to an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. When a child loses hope that their live will improve, they can become depressed. Once depressed a child could lose interest in normal activities, cry more or sleep more than usual (Mayo Clinic, 2010). When a child has low self-esteem and depression usually their grades will start to slip. This can make them want to turn to something to make them feel better and forget about what it is that is bothering them. For some children they find that comfort in food. However, this is not a good outlet. It is very unhealthy for them short term as well as long term. Some disorders can take longer to show effects than others. These disorders include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea (Obesity, 2006). Sleep apnea, is a condition where your child may have abnormal breathing or snore while he or she is asleep. Extra body weight can cause your child problems with the development and health of their lungs. Obesity can cause a hormone imbalance in your child. This imbalance can lead to an earlier than expected start to puberty (Mayo Clinic, 2010). If left untreated it can cause even more health problems in the long run. These problems that could happen down the road of life include but are not limited to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, hypoglycemia, infertility and many types of cancer (Daniels, 2006). The best way to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the entire family’s diet and exercise habits (Mayo Clinic, 2010). The best ways to motivate your child to get in shape is to do it with them. However, it is best to emphasize activity instead of emphasizing exercise. It is a better idea to incorporate things your child likes to do into these activities. The activities can range from hide-and-seek, tag, jump rope, nature walk, wall climbing or a bike ride (Mayo Clinic, 2010). It can start out by just walking a few extra minutes a day and work your way up to a treadmill or jogging for an hour. There is also joining a gym together as a family. Most gyms can help tailor a workout program that will best suit the long term goals of getting healthy. Another good way also of getting into shape is by watching what you eat or dieting. This is best done by cutting out the high sugary soft drinks, candy, cookies and crackers. The better choice for snacking is fruits and vegetables. It is a good idea to sit down and eat dinner at the table instead of in front on the television (Mayo Clinic, 2010). When eating in front of the television there in a greater likelihood to overeat. It is a healthier option to limit the amount of time children are allowed to watch television, play video games, or be on the computer to no more than two hours a day (Mayo Clinic, 2010). In summary, we now better understand this great epidemic of childhood obesity that is ravaging our country. We can understand the challenge on our nation and us as parents as well. We also know how to combat obesity. If we can stop the epidemic early enough we could be able to save a lot of children from an unhappy and unhealthy adulthood. If we catch the cycle early enough we can also stop it from spreading to the next generation after this one. We as parents need to teach our children to make better choices for themselves. This will give them the guidance to let them one day make better choices for their children and in turn stop this cycle of obesity amongst our children we have going on right now.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, September 15) Childhood Obesity Facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
Daniels, S. R. (2006, Spring). The Consequences of Childhood Overweight and Obesity. The Future of Children, 16(1), 47-67. Retrieved from http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/foc/summary/v016/16.1daniels.html
Deckelbaum, R. J. & Williams, C. L. (2001 November). Childhood Obesity: The Health Issue. Obesity Research, 9(4), 239S-243S. Retrieved from http://student.purduecal.edu/~lu65/Researches/Childhood%20Obesity.pdf
Mayo Clinic. (2010, Oct. 9). Childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698
Nyberg, K., Burns, A. C., & Parker, L. (2009). Childhood Obesity Prevention in Texas: Workshop Summary. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Retrieved from http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2009/Childhood-Obesity-Prevention-in-Texas.aspx
Obesity. (2006). In Encyclopedia of Special Education: A Reference for the Education of the Handicapped and Other Exceptional Children and Adults. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/wileyse/obesity
Obesity Epidemic. (2010). In Culture Wars: An Encyclopedia of Issues, Viewpoints, and Voices. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/sharpecw/obesity_epidemic

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, September 15) Childhood Obesity Facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm Daniels, S. R. (2006, Spring). The Consequences of Childhood Overweight and Obesity. The Future of Children, 16(1), 47-67. Retrieved from http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/foc/summary/v016/16.1daniels.html Deckelbaum, R. J. & Williams, C. L. (2001 November). Childhood Obesity: The Health Issue. Obesity Research, 9(4), 239S-243S. Retrieved from http://student.purduecal.edu/~lu65/Researches/Childhood%20Obesity.pdf Mayo Clinic. (2010, Oct. 9). Childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698 Nyberg, K., Burns, A. C., & Parker, L. (2009). Childhood Obesity Prevention in Texas: Workshop Summary. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Retrieved from http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2009/Childhood-Obesity-Prevention-in-Texas.aspx Obesity. (2006). In Encyclopedia of Special Education: A Reference for the Education of the Handicapped and Other Exceptional Children and Adults. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/wileyse/obesity Obesity Epidemic. (2010). In Culture Wars: An Encyclopedia of Issues, Viewpoints, and Voices. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/sharpecw/obesity_epidemic