Obesity

Childhood Obesity

There has been a dramatic increase in childhood obesity over the past 20 years.

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is present when the total body weight is more than twenty-five percent in boys and more than 32 percent fat in girls. In the United States, approximately 40 percent of children are overweight. Childhood obesity is a serious issue affecting children and adolescents childhood that can be controlled or reversed with proper nutrition and physical exercise.

There are many factors that play a role in obesity with the top two being improper food choices and lack of exercise. Writer Jamie Holguin stated, “Every day, nearly one-third of U.S. children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food, which likely packs on about six extra pounds per child per year and increased the risk of obesity, a study of 6,212 youngsters found” (¶ 1).

Another factor associated with weight gain is the consumption of sugar sweetened drinks which many children compensate as meals.

When eating out, parents need to assist children in making healthier food choices. If a child were to purchase a Happy Meal from McDonalds which included four piece chicken nuggets, small french fries, small coke, and ketchup, the total calories would be 530. By making one small change, for example; removing the french fries and adding apple dippers this meal has been reduced by almost 200calories.

Weight gain in children and adolescents is usually caused by an energy imbalance such as eating too many calories and not getting enough physical exercise Demographic factors also play a large part in obesity. It is necessary for parents to encourage outdoor play and sports activities. Parents should limit the amount of time their children spend on computers and video games and even allow children to play indoors during inclement weather.

Genetic factors also play a crucial role in obesity, because there are certain genetic...