|
|
|
|
|
Childhood obesity
|
|
|
Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. Implementing prevention programs and getting a better understanding of treatment for youngsters is important to controlling the obesity epidemic. There are many factors that contribute to causing child and adolescent obesity - some are modifiable and others are not. Modifiable causes include: · Physical Activity - Lack of regular exercise. · Sedentary behavior - High frequency of television viewing, computer usage, and similar behavior that takes up time that can be used for physical activity. · Socioeconomic Status - Low family incomes and non-working parents. · Eating Habits - Over-consumption of high-calorie foods. Some eating patterns that have been associated with this behavior are eating when not hungry, eating while watching TV or doing homework. · Environment - Some factors are over-exposure to advertising of foods that promote high-calorie foods and lack of recreational facilities. Non-changeable causes include: Genetics - Greater risk of obesity has been found in children of obese and overweight parents. Health Effects Many adverse health effects associated with overweight are observed in children and adolescents. Overweight during childhood and particularly adolescence is related to increased morbidity and mortality in later life. Asthma o Prevalence of overweight is reported to be significantly higher in children and adolescents with moderate to severe asthma compared to a peer group. Diabetes (Type 2) o Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents has increased dramatically in a short period. The parallel increase of obesity in children and adolescents is reported to be the most significant factor for the rise in diabetes. o Type 2 diabetes accounted for 2 to 4 percent of all childhood diabetes before 1992, but skyrocketed to 16 percent by 1994.
|
|
|
|
Still Can't Find What Your Looking For? Then Try a Essay Search!
|
