Childhood Obesity Essay

667 Words2 Pages

Heart Disease Caused By Childhood Obesity
“In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.” (CDC) Childhood obesity is a problem that has inundated society for many decades. Almost anywhere that you go, you’ll see a magazine article or some sort of poster regarding childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can be defined as a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child’s health or well-being. Majority of adults care about their weight because self-image is a very important factor in their lives, but when it comes down to children, many pay their weight a very minimal amount of attention. Due to the superfluous rise in the number of obese children over the past couple of decades, doctors and physicians have become concerned about this trend. This concern is raised by the various diseases and health issues accompanying childhood obesity. Childhood obesity puts children at a greater risk for developing health issues and diseases of the heart.
Obesity is strongly associated with diseases of the heart and blood vessels in many ways (Smith 5). Firstly, obese people are more probable to develop atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries occurring when there is a build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the body. It is proven that atherosclerosis is more prevalent in obese individuals than individuals who are not. This condition can lead to a myocardial infarction, or what we call a heart attack. After a heart attack, it is very difficult for one to recuperate, especially a child. Following a heart attack, the heart is damaged and may not be able to pump sufficient amounts of blood throughout your body and death or disability may occur.
Secondly, with body fat being ...

... middle of paper ...

...rts have suggested that communities and schools become involved by eliminating the amount of vending machines throughout schools and places within the community. It is also suggested that the government become involved and lower the prices of healthy food choices, and limit the promotion of unhealthy foods.
It is imperative that society coalesces to help prevent childhood obesity. No child or parent wants to suffer through any type of heart condition or disease, whether it be now or later on in their lives. Experts have seen the rising obesity rate as a wake-up call to take the “epidemic” of childhood obesity very seriously. Because of the fact that childhood obesity is interconnected with so many health issues it significantly affects lifespans. Childhood obesity can be prevented and needs to be in order to ultimately save the lives and future lives of children.

Open Document