Varibles of Childhood Obesity
Variable Causes of Childhood Obesity
Can childhood obesity be eradicated by diet and exercise alone? While this question may cause some to ponder, many will undoubtedly say yes. Yet, when we consider that childhood obesity is at epidemic levels worldwide, the answer should cause us to proceed unbiased and with great thought. The assumption that high caloric diets and sedentary lifestyles is the only road to obesity is a misconception. Social Cognitive Theorist Albert Bandura defines a person 's behavior as a triadic, dynamic, and reciprocal interaction of personal factors, behavior, and the environment (Bandura, 1977). Childhood obesity is a disease that combines genetics, environment and behavior. Studies have concluded that obesity is determined by the interaction between the genetic makeup of an individual, and the environment in which that person is living, along with behavior within the environment.(Smith & Ravussin, 2005). While diet and exercise are both necessary treatments, without considering the roots of childhood obesity, the treatment will not be effective.
First, lets take a statistical look at this worldwide epidemic. The scope of childhood obesity must be examined through information provided over a period of time. In 1997 the World Health Organization declared obesity to be a global epidemic. In 2001 the US Surgeon General published a call to action to prevent and decrease the disease ( US Dept, of Health and Human Services. 2001). Yet, 11 years later America is still battling the epidemic of childhood obesity. Within the last 3 decades childhood obesity rates have tripled. In 2006 it was estimated that 46.4% of American children would be obese or overweight by 2010 (Wang, and Lobstein. 2006). The scope of childhood obesity is widespread. It is a global epidemic that must be fought with the full knowledge of the nature of its source.
The role of genetics in obesity can be seen clearly
Can childhood obesity be eradicated by diet and exercise alone? While this question may cause some to ponder, many will undoubtedly say yes. Yet, when we consider that childhood obesity is at epidemic levels worldwide, the answer should cause us to proceed unbiased and with great thought. The assumption that high caloric diets and sedentary lifestyles is the only road to obesity is a misconception. Social Cognitive Theorist Albert Bandura defines a person 's behavior as a triadic, dynamic, and reciprocal interaction of personal factors, behavior, and the environment (Bandura, 1977). Childhood obesity is a disease that combines genetics, environment and behavior. Studies have concluded that obesity is determined by the interaction between the genetic makeup of an individual, and the environment in which that person is living, along with behavior within the environment.(Smith & Ravussin, 2005). While diet and exercise are both necessary treatments, without considering the roots of childhood obesity, the treatment will not be effective.
First, lets take a statistical look at this worldwide epidemic. The scope of childhood obesity must be examined through information provided over a period of time. In 1997 the World Health Organization declared obesity to be a global epidemic. In 2001 the US Surgeon General published a call to action to prevent and decrease the disease ( US Dept, of Health and Human Services. 2001). Yet, 11 years later America is still battling the epidemic of childhood obesity. Within the last 3 decades childhood obesity rates have tripled. In 2006 it was estimated that 46.4% of American children would be obese or overweight by 2010 (Wang, and Lobstein. 2006). The scope of childhood obesity is widespread. It is a global epidemic that must be fought with the full knowledge of the nature of its source.
The role of genetics in obesity can be seen clearly
References: CDC, 2010. Obesity and Genetics. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/features/obesity Dietz, W; Gortmaker, S (1985). Obesity and television viewing in children and adolesence. Retrieved from: http://UMB.edu Davis, M; Young, L; Davis, S; Moll, G Lobstien, T; Baur, L; Uauy, R (2004). Obesity in children and young people: A crisis in public health. Obesity reviews, vol. 5 issue supplement. Pages 4-85. Putnam, C (2012). Childhood overweight and obesity. Retrieved from: http://content.ebscohost.com Spruijt-Metz, D (2011). Journal of research on adolescence. Retrieved from: http://content.ebscohost.com Silventoinen, K; Rokholm, B; Kaprio, J; Sorensen, T (2010). The genetic and environmental influences on childhood obesity. Retrieved from: http://content.ebscohost.com Sorensen, A (2001). Obesity genes. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov