Childhood Obesity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines obesity as having excess body fat while overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of those factors.  Over the years, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, today one in three children are suffering from either being overweight or obese. In African American and Hispanic communities the statistics are even higher, nearly 40% of the children are considered overweight or obese ("Lets move!," 2012). This growing epidemic is a serious medical issue that produces immediate and long term health effects.  Although obesity is such a pressing issue, it is also a condition in which making simple lifestyle choices could have a huge impact.

In today’s society, children experience a different lifestyle than they did thirty years ago when childhood obesity was uncommon. Many of the negative influences come from the media, culture, and family dynamics. A major issue is that children are becoming “lazy”. Speaking from experience, my generation when told to go play, would go outside and play a sport or imaginary game (basically be constantly active). This does not seem to be the case though today, when told to go play, the majority heads straight to their electronic devices (internet, television, or video games). Play time has become a sedentary activity. Studies have shown eight to 18 year olds spend on average 7.5 hours a day on electronics and only one-third of high school students get the recommended amount of physical activity ("Lets move!," 2012). Children also used to walk more as a means of transportation but now parents don’t feel that it’s safe for their kids to walk to the parks because of child predators so they are driven wherever they need to go. 

Not only are children not getting enough exercise but they are also eating more and consuming higher calorie foods. A huge contributor to over eating today is due to the increase in portion sizes. In the fast food industry the sizes keep doubling, to where now we have super-sized meals. Even drink sizes have increased, in the mid-1970’s, the average sugar sweetened beverage was 13.6 ounces but now you can purchase a 54 ounce soda ("Lets move!," 2012).   This wouldn’t be a problem if families just ate out occasionally, but eating out - especially at fast food restaurants - has increased. Families are so busy with extracurricular activities they are running from place to place and do not have time to cook. When they need to eat, they go through the fast and convenient drive through. According to the BJC HealthCare, numerous studies have shown that children as young as five eat more when offered larger portions than when offered “normal” portions. Children are eating past the point of being full because most were taught to finish their plate. The responsibility lies on the parents when it comes to appropriate portions and should act as role models. Snacking is also a bad habit that leads to obesity. Continuous snacking leads to overeating, so it is recommended if you chose to snack then do so at a specific time and make sure it is a healthy alternative. Avoid eating meals or snacks while watching TV because it makes it difficult to pay attention to the amount you consume (NY, 2007). Also watching TV could increase your hunger by viewing the commercials that make the average hamburger into a huge, delicious, juicy piece of heaven.
The energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended have created many risks. The immediate health effects for the obese youth include higher blood pressure and cholesterol which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In a population-based sample the CDC discovered that 70% of the obese youth (5 to 17 year olds) had at least one of these risk factors. These individuals also have a higher chance of bone, joint problems, and sleep apnea. Not only does childhood obesity have health risks but also social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and issues with poor self-esteem which most likely causes isolation and depression.
Being obese as a child will not only affect them in their youth but also in their future. Children who are obese will most likely be suffering obesity as an adult and therefore continue and increase their health problems. Obesity increases the chances of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, and several types of cancer. The types of cancer include; breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreases, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate.  
How do we help reduce and prevent childhood obesity? Of course, a healthy lifestyle of nutritious food and regular exercise are the best solutions for the individual but what can the society do to help increase the health of the children and decrease their weight. Family members have a great amount of influence on children, parents and older siblings need to be role models in both the eating and physical activity levels. Cook more at home so you have control over what calories are added to meals, make smaller portions and increase fruit and vegetable intake. Be active together, instead of watching a movie, go on a walk in the park together. Parents can monitor the TV  their kids watch, have them only watch channels that are made for kids for educational purposes because there are less food advertisements.
The CDC states that, “schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors”. Schools have added healthier options for meals and have switched to low fat drinks. Some schools have also either taken out vending machines or replaced some items with healthier choices. Although schools could also work on making Physical Education and Nutrition classes mandatory more often than is required. It is not uncommon to have a P.E and Health class one year but not the next although all other subjects are required constantly.
The New York Times states, “For the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children in America may have shorter life expectancies than their parents, according to a new report, which contends that the rapid rise in childhood obesity, if left unchecked, could shorten life spans by as much as five years”. Children should not have to deal with all these potential health risks; their lives could drastically change with simple lifestyle choices that start at the homes and schools.

References:

Atkins, R. C., Klein, S., & Klein, S. (n.d.). Proper portions could bite into childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.bjc.org/?id=2049&sid=1

Lets move!. (2012, 28 5). Retrieved from http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity

NY, G. (2007, June). New york department of health. Retrieved from http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/resources/obparnts.htm

(2013). Retrieved from Centers for Desease Control and Pervention website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm