Obesity: Nutrition and Overweight Children Essay

Submitted By efloflores
Words: 3451
Pages: 14

Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer or video games. According to _______, the percent of overweight children in the United States is growing at an shocking rate, making 1 out of 3 kids known to be overweight or obese (___). The blame does not just go for the child, but for the parents as well. Parents would do anything to please their child and make them happy. If a child is hungry and parents do not want to cook for them, what usually becomes the answer is buying fast food. Now a day, it is cheaper to go out and eat at a fast food restaurant, than making a homemade dish that would result in being a healthier option. cv
A child being obese may lead to many health problems as the time passes. For example, they can have cardiovascular diseases, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease ( _____). Adolescents that are obese are likely to have a pre-diabetes which is a blood glucose condition that indicates the,, development of diabetes and can also lead to bone and joint problems sleep and apnea and eye sight problems(_cdc__). The http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm Information
There is also a correlation between families from low-income levels and their shopping habits; they tend to spend their money on unhealthy or innutritious foods. Many times, it is less expensive to buy foods that are unhealthy from the store; than it is to buy foods that are nutritious. Families are eating fewer family meals and are ordering foods that are high in fat from restaurants. Lack of exercise is also a major cause of children that are suffering from an excess of body fat; schools and communities, as well, are responsible for this dilemma. Many schools have cut out time for Physical Education classes; and many times the spaces for free play and for after school activities are really limited. It is difficult to blame only one component. The attitude that our schools are taking regarding exercise is a reflection of the fact that many schools are dismissing the importance of Physical education
There is also another determining factor that exists; genes. Genetics plays a big role in some obesity cases. In these cases there are certain people that are prone to likely conserve more fat in their bodies than others; however, this is only one factor alone; and this factor along with other contributing factors increases the risk.
There are many consequences that can be brought upon by an excess of body fat in the body; consequences that can mark a child's life and put him or her at risk for the rest of their lives. One serious consequence is obviously the health problems brought about and associated with the obesity itself; overweight children will and can develop a multitude of problems; problems that unfortunately because of their early age beginnings will follow the child through their whole adulthood if not properly treated. Diabetes type 2 is one of these existing problems. “Type 2 diabetes develops when glucose cannot get into cells and builds up a bloodstream” (Dalton, 2005, p. 36).Children with diabetes type 2 are not equipped with the necessary physical tools to deal with the disease. Over 90 percent of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Dalton mentioned that one theory is that excess fat produces a hormone that makes it harder for insulin to go into the cells. As the glucose and insulin levels swing up and down they damage the heart, kidneys, and eyes. Children are being diagnosed with diabetes, due to the unhealthy food choices; the fact that they are already overweight only compounds the problem. Many of these symptoms can be reduced with a series of healthier food choices, and an exercise regiment; possibly a primary cause of the obesity to begin with.
Cases of heart disease and hypertension have steadily increased