Impact of Childhood Obesity on Learning and Health

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This essay will identify and discuss the specific health issue of obesity in young children, how it effects young children's learning and how various professionals and agencies are tackling this issue in the modern day. It will also include how poverty and inequality can have a significant impact on this health issue. The Oxford English Dictionary describes obesity as: Obese /'bis/ a. very fat. Obesity (p301 oxford mini dictionary) Where as the NHS defines it as '… excess body fat for a given height and gender' ( http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/nhsdoheso/print.asp?sTopic=Obesity&sPrintAll=true). Although it appears that there is not any one definitive definition for obesity, obesity in young children is steadily on the increase especially it seems within young children. Research recently carried out by the National Audit Office reported that 'Obesity levels in England have almost tripled in the last 20 years. Nearly two thirds of men and more than half of women are overweight or obese and it is an increasing problem among children.' http://www.hda-online.org.uk/hdt/1101/evidence.html In past decades a child which was 'plump' or 'chubby' would be considered a healthy strong child which would be able to withstand infections and such. However it now appears that children who are overweight are becoming a major cause for concern amongst the health care profession, especially within early childhood. The British Medical Journal revealed that 'More than one in five of Britain's under fours are overweight and one in 10 are classed as clinically obese.' http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/health/1160220.stm Confirming that child... ... middle of paper ... ...ty regardless ethnicity. Indeed the Government's commitment to opening the Sure Start Programme in areas of disadvantage appear to be a step in the right direction in combating the equalities within children's health. Conclusion ---------- This essay has identified how obesity is on the increase in the UK and the effects this can have upon young children. It is fair to say that many factors appear to contribute to this problem from advertising to current lifestyles and that inequality; particularly poverty has a significant bearing. Hopefully with the new government schemes like The School Fruit Scheme and Sure Start along with schools and other agencies informing parents about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise these inequalities will start to eliminate and the health of children will improve.

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