In order to determine if a child is obese or not, their BMI must be measured. BMI is calculated by measuring a person’s height and weight. BMI for age usually corresponds with percentiles. In order for a child to be considered obese, he/she is categorized in the 95th percentile or greater. Children who are obese are above the normal weight for their age and height. Childhood obesity has been something that continues to grow as the years go on. It has been said that 35% of all American children are obese or overweight. Not only this but over 13 million children are affected by this. It is not only in American where childhood obesity is increasing, but in other countries also. The obesity rate in children is expected to rise in the next two decades. Childhood obesity is something that must be resolved before the percentage continues to increase. It would be very hard for someone to reverse the effects of childhood obesity due to many factors that have caused it to rise (Harris, Pomeranz, Lobstein, & Brownell, 2009).
Childhood obesity continues to rise as the years go on. There are specific reasons why this keeps happening. 40 to 50 percent of the money spent on food goes towards outside food sources such as restaurants instead of food inside the home. One cause of the rise of childhood obesity is television. Many food companies tend to market their products to children. It has been studied that children in the United States on average view 15 different food advertisements. That is about 5,000 food advertisements a year. These companies know that children are an easier target to market instead of adults. The second cause of the rise of childhood obesity is genetic factors. A child’s genes can make him/her more susceptible to obesity but also require other factors. Additionally, the lack of physical activity has increased childhood obesity. Since the advancement of technology, many children stay inside on an Ipad instead of going outside and playing. These days children just sit inside and eat instead of burning those calories off when they are done. The environment of the child can also increase him/her to be obese. If a child is raised in a household where the eating habits are terrible, then he/she will have those same habits. The environment can also affect how much the child exercise. There are many factors that can cause the rise of childhood obesity but it can be treated (“Other Factors in Weight Gain”, 2015).
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Treatment and Prevention. Childhood obesity can be solved but only the parents are willing to work. I believe that parents usually cause childhood obesity when the children are younger. However, as the child gets old enough to make decisions then it is their fault. There are solutions to this problem. The first solution is having the family as a whole live a healthier lifestyle. If a child is raised in this environment then he/she might continue this healthy living. Additionally, educating the child on food portions and serving sizes could help a lot. In cooperating more water into a child’s diet is very helpful also. These solutions would lower the risk of high blood pressure, sleep apnea, social and psychological problems, etc.
Impacts on Society. Obesity can have an impact on society. Society can have both a social and emotional effect on a child who is obese. Children who are obese might feel left out when it comes to being social with others. Not only this but, bullying could lead the child to fill left out. Childhood obesity could also affect the economy. It was said that the healthcare costs of obesity in the United States are estimated to be over $180 billion (“Obesity Consequences”, 2016). Childhood obesity can impact everyone in this society.
How People Can Help. Childhood obesity can be stopped if people are willing to help. I believe that working out is very beneficial. Going to the gym isn’t something a little kid has to do in order to not be obese. It can be something as little as going outside playing tag, walking around a mall, playing a sport, etc. It’s the little things that can make a huge impact. Additionally, eating healthier isn’t just eating fruits and vegetables only; it’s managing portions and calorie counting. I believe if this situation was made more aware, then people would actually help with this problem.
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