Childhood Obesity

THE EPIDEMIC OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

MAT540 STATISTICAL CONCEPTS FOR RESEARCH

PAUL LEBINE

July 21, 2014

Introduction

The threat of obesity is a major health crisis among children. The necessity for prevention of obesity in children is internationally accepted. Any weight that is greater than the ideal weight relative to an individual’s height is considered overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is on the rise and is a major cause for concern as it relates to a child’s health and overall well-being. The objective of the research presented in this paper will address the numerous factors that influence childhood obesity, the potential challenges and effects of the issue and relevant solutions to combat and defeat the growing epidemic.

The Problem

Childhood obesity is a significant public health crisis nationally and internationally. The prevalence of childhood obesity has risen substantially over recent years. Obesity is caused by the inequity of caloric intake verses caloric utilization. According to Sameera Karnik and Amar Kanekar (2012), “One or more factors (genetic, behavioral, and environmental) cause obesity in children. Physical, psychological and social health problems are caused due to childhood obesity” (Karnik & Kanekar , 2012).

Obesity that is neglected in children may have adverse effects including mortality repercussions in the child’s adult life. This problem is on the rise and is the cause for increasing public concern. Lauren Kramer writes, “Childhood obesity is a serious problem that may lead to the development of chronic diseases, which will be reflected in increased health care costs. . . Rather than trying to treat the symptoms later, we’re better off trying to prevent them in the first place” (Kramer, 2013).

Literature Review

The prevalence of overweight and obese children has significantly increased over the years and is now considered a major public health concern. According to Mattias Baron (2012), “Childhood...