Essay on Childhood Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have adverse effects on health, leading to reduce life expectancy or increased health problems. Severe obesity is effecting children and adolescents at an all-time high. About a third of the nations are overweight or obese. Youth who fall at the very high end of weight charts are those who suffers with morbid obesity. Childhood obesity can lead to low-self-esteem and depression. There are major consequences in childhood obesity in adulthood. As children love to indulge in fast foods and sweets, and spend time watching television or being lazy; rather than be active and exercise; obesity has taken and immeasurable effect on the youth in society. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, obesity rates have tripled the past thirty years and have become an American epidemic, in which children follow the lead of American adults who are on record as the heaviest population group in the world with 65 percent of children suffering from obesity. (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) Those children who fall in the 85th to 95th percentile are considered overweight. Those at the 95th percentile and above are obese. The American Heart Association defines kids over the age of two as severely obese if they fall twenty percent above the 95th percentile for the body mass index. As supported by the American Heart Association, lifestyle modification programs for severely obese children and teens have shown only modest improvements in weight. Also, according to Center of Disease Control and Prevention obesity affects one in every three American children ranging from ages 2-19, effecting both boys and girls of all race and ethnic groups. Kids usually remain obese or regain weight after the program is completed. Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways. If the youth continues to binge in fat foods and unhealthy eating, then they are of high risk to in-counter health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, musculoskeletal problems and early signs of clogged arteries. However, youth obesity is a reflection on the lack of involvement of the parents, leaders, and community who holds intense influential measures in the child’s life. A child’s first role model is their parents, particularly when it comes to health. Basically it is a chain affect, parents cannot expect to see health and manageable weight in the child if they do not show interest in healthy eating and physical activity. Children are a product of what they are taught. The actions of others affect this issue intensely. “Childhood obesity is not some simple discrete issue, there is not one cause we as society can pinpoint”. (Michelle Obama) In current society, many people live a hectic and busy life. Children also put in the same environment. Children if not in the care of parents or family are at school with leaders. So this proves that teachers, parents, and leaders have major responsibly for the way these kids eat and exercise. According to Mccmilian Social Science Library, due to the amount of time children spend at school, this is an obvious place where obesity can be combated. Unfortunately, children are still not getting the recommended amount of physical exercise during the school day. Although the National Association for Sport and Physical Activity Education (NAPE) recommends at least one hour of physical activity per day, schools do not provide this level of exercise. As far as parents, quality meals with nutrients are not made at home anymore. Microwave foods, processed foods, and fast foods are more used because it is quicker to make than a whole nutritious meal. Also, whole fruits, fresh vegetables,

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