Childhood Obesity

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Within the past three years obesity among children has tripled. Childhood obesity is considered the number one health threat in America. Childhood obesity has become a major issue facing America. And today over “nine million” (Selicia 4, May) United States children are overweight and obese. Sadly “2 million” (Tanner 2005) of these children are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Obesity has become a burden to the United States economy and it is costing America “$147 billion” (Holden, 2010) a year. A child does not become overweight and obese overnight. America, Parents, society and the government are to blame for the obesity among American children. Obesity has been around for many years, but it has always been addressed has an adult problem. Unfortunately obesity has now been discovered in children. It is rated the most deadly issue America has encountered. The numbers of overweight and obese children have increased. One out of every three United State's children is considered to be obese. Most overweight and obese child is at risk of developing high cholesterol, hypertension, respiratory ailments, orthopedic problems, depression and type 2 diabetes. According to Sandra G. Boodman (Jun 13, 1995) “studies have found that 40 percent of fat 7-years-old will grow up to be overweight adults, while 70 percent of overweight children between the ages of 10 and 13 will become fat adults." Children who become obese adults can suffer from many more health issues than the ones previously named. Obesity found in adulthood increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and a general poor health status. Americans has labeled obesity as the terror within. It is perceived to be the cause of over “300,0... ... middle of paper ... ...In Children : [FINAL Edition]. The Washington Post (pre-1997 Fulltext), p. Z.10. Retrieved April 6, 2011, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 19577135). Selicia Kennedy-Ross. (4 May). Eaters providing more healthful choices for kids. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News,1. Retrieved April 9, 2011, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 832503151). Shelly Branch. (2002, June 13). Obese America: Is Food the Next Tobacco? --- As Obesity Concerns Mount, Companies Fret Their Snacks, Drinks May Take the Blame. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition), p. B.1. Retrieved April 9, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID The Endocrine Society; Symptoms of depression in obese children linked to elevated cortisol. (2009, June). Pharma Business Week,2364. Retrieved April 9, 2011, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. (Document ID: 1759257101). : 125125001

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