Obesity

Childhood Obesity

Obesity has become a major concern for many children. In fact latest research suggests that “nearly one in five children are overweight (about 12.5 million nationwide)”.[i] “Childhood obesity however can also lead to life-threatening conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, cancer, and other disorders.”[ii] Obesity can attributed to a range of things, some of which are diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetics.

Sometimes the eating habits of children and the link to obesity can be difficult to determine. Some of the main perpetrators thought to be linked to childhood obesity are soft drinks, and fast food. In a study of 548 children over a 19 month period the likelihood of obesity increased by 1.6% for every extra soft drink they drank a day. Eating at fast food restaurants has become prevalent among young people with 75% of 7 to 12 grade students consuming fast food in a given week. One study found an increase in obesity in schools which had fast food restaurants nearby.

The lack of physical activity in children has also shown to be a serious cause of obesity. In a study of 133 children, researchers discovered that the obese children were 35% less active on school days and 65% less active on weekends compared to non-obese children. Many children do not exercise because they are spending time doing stationary activities such as playing video games or watching TV. Out of all the research out there all the results seem to conclude that if a child or adult doesn’t get enough exercise that the chances of them being overweight increases dramatically.

Another interesting study found that children in low-income households have less of a tendency to gain weight. Over a three week period researchers studied the relationship of socioeconomic status to body composition in 194 children, ages 11–12. They measured weight, waist girth, stretch stature, skin folds, physical activity, TV...