Childhood Obesity Prevention

Obesity is a major health issue in the US at present. The number of overweight and obese individuals is at all-time high and the problem is increasing day by day. Millions of dollars are spent every year to combat the illnesses and complications caused by obesity. It is a risk factor pertaining to chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular ailments, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and certain types of cancers.

The Obesity issue is striding towards becoming an epidemic and the US is struggling to combat its growth. It now affects 35.7% of adults and 17% of all children and adolescents aged 2 - 19 in the country ("overweight and obesity," 2013). The obesity trend is worse among children than any other age group. Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled ("overweight and obesity," 2013). The rate is highest among non-Hispanic, black girls followed by boys of Mexican-American ethnicity (Ogden & Carroll, 2010). Children who are overweight and obese tend to become obese adults, as they get older. They are at a much higher risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, poor self-esteem, emotional and psychological problems, in addition to above mentioned health problems.

Childhood obesity is being driven by children consuming too many calories than appropriate amount and not getting enough physical activity. Numerous factors can influence upon pushing this problem to its current state. These include

• People accepting the notion of consumption of less than healthy foods as the norm
• Exposure to cheap fast foods
• Lack of time to prepare healthy meals at home/busy parents
• Limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables
• More time spent watching television and playing video games
• Lack of access to safe play areas and parks
• Lack of physical activity at school.

Exposure to some or all of these factors can hinder upon the wellbeing of children and lead them towards living unhealthy lives.

The solution to this issue can be considered simple yet difficult to achieve. Individuals who influence the lives of the children such as parents, teachers, and schools should come together to direct the children towards healthier choices. Parents should provide fresh fruits and vegetables whenever they can, prepare healthier meals at home, limit their intake of processed foods and foods high in sugar and fat. They can also encourage their children to limit TV/video game usage, play or do physical activities outside every day. Similarly, schools can provide healthy food options at the cafeteria or vending machines and increase outdoor activities and recess time. Teachers can educate their students about various nutrition topics; encourage students to make healthier food choices. Communities can provide incentives to supermarkets to sell healthier foods, encourage them to include local produce at their store, increase access to free drinking water as well as limit sale of sugary drinks. They can also build and maintain parks and playgrounds and conduct fitness/wellness events in the community to promote healthier living.

It is a proven fact that healthy behavior in terms of one’s diet and lifestyle can be the blueprint for leading healthier lives. It is especially true for children, whose habits can be molded towards a healthier lifestyle. It is our responsibility to lead the children towards choosing the appropriate path. They should be given the proper knowledge and guidance in regards to making important decisions regarding this problem. Therefore, we are obliged to teach them healthier habits such as importance of physical activity and proper nutrition to achieve bright and better future, away from the perilous effects of obesity.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013, January 11). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/facts.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013, January 11). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html

Ogden, C., & Carroll, M. (2010, 06 04). Publications and information products. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm