Research Paper On Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity
Obesity is not a disease. It is a condition where our body stores excessive fat and affects our health or well-being. Childhood obesity is a major cause for disease and health risks which may be lifelong. Childhood obesity is becoming a threat to society because of its prevalence. Obesity reduces life expectancy. Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. The number of obese children has increased and doubled within two decades. (Helping your overweight child." Pamphlet by: National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, 1997, p. 2+.) The childhood obesity epidemic requires more prevention focused on the first five years of a child’s

Bulimia nervosa is frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food. This disorder makes people overweight. There are other rare cases of obesity due to medical condition. Psychological condition is one of the factors in weight gain, like stress, depression, emotional attachments, and fights. Some children eat more to cope with problems which leads to obesity. In today’s time, most parents are busy with their work. They don’t have time for their children. The child’s health depends on the parental influences. Parents have the most important role in their children activities. Some parents allow their children to consume more outside food and junk food. They do not have time to encourage their children to do physical activities and outdoor activities. The type of food available in the home and the food preferences of family members can influence the children diet and

It decreases our normal body function. Obesity affects psychologically and physiologically. It may affect the health of the children. The obesity complication can include cardiovascular disease, poor self-esteem, hypertension, respiration problems, and GI problems. If obesity is not managed in childhood, then it leads to the negative health consequences in adulthood. In the cardiovascular system, many obese children suffer from Hypertension, Coronary heart disease, and Dyslipidemia. Obesity causes increased blood volume and cardiac output. This leads to cardiovascular problems. Obese children have more risk of musculoskeletal problem. Obese children are more likely to have fractures, impaired mobility, and musculoskeletal discomfort. This may be because of lack of physical activity. Obese children find difficult it to breathe while walking. If they walk only for 5 minutes, then they feel tired and breathless. There is more prevalence of asthma in overweight children. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most important risk factor which is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. In female obesity, there is a high chance of mensural abnormalities like amenorrhea, and metrorrhagia. They should be taken to the specialists early to preserve their fertility. Obese children might have early puberty. Self-esteem is the factor which make us confident and comfortable to interact with