Childhood Obesity Essay Introduction Essay

Introduction fleshiness is a sound and major health complication alter to 112,000 deaths annually most of which ar preventable. corpulency is to a condition where excess avoirdupois has collected in the luggage compartment has to the train of adversely bear upon ones health. There is no general accord on the lowest explanations of obesity in adolescents and children. Therefore, most professionals accept the guidelines published on bole mass index number (BMI) to broadside cases of over charge in children and adolescents. The increase of obesity among children in 2008 increase from 5 sh be to 17 percent in the aforesaid(prenominal) year. This paper will focus to look for the causes of obesity in children and come about methods on how it heap be prevented. One is considered as orotund or overweight when his or her body mass index BMI exceeds 30 kg/m2) (Flegal, 2000).Body mass index is obtained by measuring an individuals weight in kilograms relative to his or her hei ght in meters. Presently obesity is the widest spread medical problem affecting children and teenagers in developed countries like the join States. Other measure of obesity accommodate a) Weight-to-height tables- These tables define being overweight and give ranges for a healthy weight base on the height of a teenager or child. b) Body modify percentage- fill in a percentage of body weight, is a strong indicator of obesity. Boys argon regarded corpulent when their body blubber is above 25 percent and girls over 32 percent. obesity has profound effects on the flavor of a patient by change magnitude the possibility of contracting change of illnesss. The future(a) are health consequences of obesity gibe to Center for Disease Control and legal community (CDC). Cancers (breast, endometrial and colon)Coronary heart distemperHypertensionStrokeType 2 diabetesDyslipidemiaOsteoarthritisGallbladder and liver and diseaseGynecological problems (infertility, abnormal menses)In d o-gooder to the health consequences above, obesity puke overly create social, as well as, aflame problems to an individual or patient referable to the stigma associated with one being overweight.Causes of obesityPhysical exercise and dieting are among the best ways for tr eating obesity. One can improve his or her diet gauge by reducing the intake foods generative in cipher, e.g. those high in sugars and fat and increasing the consumption of dietary fiber. Drugs much(prenominal) as anti- obesity medication drugs may be taken to write down craving or inhibit the absorption of fat. A gastric balloon may enable one lose weight if exercise, medication and diet are non effective. process may also be performed to lower stomach volume and or catgut length. This leads to earlier satiation and reduced baron to absorb nutrients from food. Below are both(prenominal) of the major causes of obesity (Ferry, 2011).Physical inactivity- The increased use of computers, video games and tv sets go by and large contri preciselyed to an inactive lifestyle for many teenagers and children in developed countries like the U.S. On average, teenagers and children in the United States of America spend tierce hours daily watching television. This form of recreation not only uses little strength but also encourages eating of snacks. whole one-third of children in the United States engage daily physical exercise instruction in school. Dietary habits- The eating habits of teenagers and children have shifted away from healthy foods such as vegetables and whole grains to enormous reliance on fast foods, sugary drinks and eating tasteful snacks. These foods tend to contain high levels of fat or calories but low in essential nutrients. Unhealthy eating habits include eating when not hungry, watching television while eating or eating while doing homework e.t.c. Genetic factors- some families tend to have obesity.Parents who are obese tend to have obese children. It is ra ttlingcrucial to note that obesity does not occur through genetics alone, but when one eats more calories than he or she uses. Socioeconomic status-Non working parents or families with low incomes are more in all probability to consume excess calories for a abandoned level of activity. Specific medical conditions can cause obesity but are rare. This includes inherited disorders of metabolism, hormone or chemic imbalances. Certain medications can alter how the body stores fat or processes food, thus resulting to weight gain. There is limited evidence to shop the fact that some multitude who are overweight eat little tho gain weight due to a slow metabolism. Obese people get hold of more energy expenditure than people who are thin due to the energy required to maintain their massive body mass. ConclusionObesity is considered a major cause of deaths worldwide with increasing preponderance in children, teenagers and adults. The American nubble crosstie has guidelines for health y children and families. It recommends that one should eat decent calories and eat a wide variety of foods to obtain adequate nutrition. It also recommends that the enumerate cholesterol taken per day should be less than 300mg. These guidelines are only applicable to children above two years of age. It is prerequisite for everyone in the family to apply these guidelines and not adept those who are obese. Schools should introduce anti bullyrag campaign to assist overweight children. The biggest responsibility falls on parents to ensure their children come up healthy eating tips.ReferencesAmerican Heart Association. Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Children. Apr. 19, 2012. . Ferry Jr., R.J., ed. forage and Health Management of Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes. New York Springer Science+ ancestry Media, 2011 416. United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. puerility Overweight and Obesity. Apr. 27, 2012. .