Fat, overweight, chubby, or chunky. There are many names but a lot of time they are used to describe a disease far more serious, Obesity. Obesity is a dangerous and even deadly disease that can cause many other health problems. Many suffer from this disease beginning at a very young age and according to Bianca Seidman of the CBS News, “Obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents over the past 30 years.” Childhood obesity is a preventable disease that may cause many future health risks in those affected.
Childhood obesity has always been a problem, but according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Nearly 18% of all children and teens in the United States are obese, and since 1980, the number has almost tripled.” In the last thirty years the number of obese children has almost tripled. The disease has increased due to less physical activity, foods and drinks with higher sugar content and many other factors. Additionally, it is more likely for an obese child to become and obese adult (CDC). This disease is very difficult for many, there are factors like living with the disease, other health risks caused by obesity, and difficult diagnoses and treatments.
Childhood obesity can be caused by many different things. Simply too much time in front of a television, or computer screen and not enough physical activity can be a cause. Other things such as over eating, and eating unhealthy foods can be major factors as well. And although many might not even notice, the example that adults set for children as far as eating healthy and exercising can be a cause as well. If adults have bad health habits the children often follow in the same path.
Due to obesity, many children suffer from low self-esteem and are subject to bullying and harassment. These things may result in depression, according to The American Psychological Association, “Obesity is also frequently accompanied by depression and the two can trigger and influence each other.” (Weiss) Children who live with obesity may also have to live with and fight depression, anxiety and other societal pressures.
Along with these mental health risks and concerns come physical health risks also caused by obesity:
Numerous studies have confirmed that being obese or overweight as a child or adolescent is associated with risk of chronic disease in adulthood, especially cardiometabolic dysfunction. This includes type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. (“Obesity” 285)
In addition to these issues, there are many more such as asthma, orthopedic problems, liver disease and sleep apnea to name a few. The health risks are prevalent and can cause a poor quality of life for those who are obese.
Because of the potential of further risks and diseases, it is important that childhood obesity is treated. Often times this is the responsibility of the parents, but sometimes it does require doctor’s assistance. Treatment depends on the child’s age and other medical conditions, and generally involves a change in diet and physical activity, although in some case it may require surgery (Mayo Clinic). In order to treat this disease, we must eat healthier and do more physical activities. If measures as simple as that are taken, the rate of childhood and in turn adult obesity can be cut, allowing all of us to live more freely and healthily.
As you can see, obesity is a big health risk. Not only for the physical health but for the mental as well. We also see that many other diseases and health risks are caused by obesity. While being a very common and dangerous illness, it is also very treatable if started in the early stages. Obesity is preventable, it is up to us to stop it.
As you can see, obesity is a big health risk. Not only for the physical health but for the mental as well. We also see that many other diseases and health risks are caused by obesity. While being a very common and dangerous illness, it is also very treatable if started in the early stages. Obesity is preventable, it is up to us to stop it.
Works Cited
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Treatments and Drugs." Mayoclinic.org. Mayo Clinic, 3 Nov. 2015. Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/treatment/con-20027428>.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. "Combating
Childhood Obesity." Cdc.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 Oct. 2015. Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.cdc.gov/features/preventchildhoodobesity/>
"Obesity In Children And Adolescents: Health Effects And Imaging Implications." Radiologic
Technology 87.3 (2016): 279-302 24p. CINAHL Complete. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
Seidman, Bianca. "Doctors: Childhood Obesity Prevention Must Start Sooner." CBS News. CBS News, 29 June 2015. Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-childhood-obesity-prevention-start-sooner/>.
Weiss, Sara, PhD, and Nancy Molitor, PhD. "Mind/Body Health: Obesity." Apa.org. American Psychological Association, 2016. Web. 21 Feb. 2016. <http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/obesity.aspx>.
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Treatments and Drugs." Mayoclinic.org. Mayo Clinic, 3 Nov. 2015. Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/treatment/con-20027428>.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. "Combating
Childhood Obesity." Cdc.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 Oct. 2015. Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.cdc.gov/features/preventchildhoodobesity/>
"Obesity In Children And Adolescents: Health Effects And Imaging Implications." Radiologic
Technology 87.3 (2016): 279-302 24p. CINAHL Complete. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
Seidman, Bianca. "Doctors: Childhood Obesity Prevention Must Start Sooner." CBS News. CBS News, 29 June 2015. Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-childhood-obesity-prevention-start-sooner/>.
Weiss, Sara, PhD, and Nancy Molitor, PhD. "Mind/Body Health: Obesity." Apa.org. American Psychological Association, 2016. Web. 21 Feb. 2016. <http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/obesity.aspx>.