The Media Presents Evidence of Childhood Obesity Epidemic
March 16, 2008
Child obesity is defined as a child who has a body mass index that is too high. In boys, the body mass index should be less than twenty-five, and in girls, it should be less than thirty-two. Technically the best way to measure child obesity is through skin fold measurements. A skin fold measurement involves a caliper that pinches the skin on the upper arm to measure how much is fatty tissue. To ensure accurate readings, someone who has been trained on how to use the instrument should do this. These teenagers are at considerable risk of becoming obese adults. As children unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices were main reasons contributing to children obesity. Also lack of Exercise has been a leading cause of child obesity. These children in turn grow into in obese adults.
Causes of Child obesity
Many factors are responsible for child obesity such as unhealthy eating habits, genetics and lack of Physical activity.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
The eating pattern is the main cause of childhood obesity. Today the concept of wholesome meal has vanished and has been replaced by fast food/ junk food.
Lack of Exercise is one of the Leading Causes of Childhood Obesity:
When there is less of physical activity obesity occurs.
Genetics
Obesity is also hereditary. So if parents are obese then the chances of children being obese are quite high.
Media in the forefront:
The credit of bringing out this deadly issue of Childhood obesity goes to the media-newspaper and television. Iot is through these that people have come to know that this disease is spreading like epidemic. Doctors and nurses have found increasing trends in obesity amongst the children. Nutritionists have come forward and have advocated the concept of healthy eating and many medical people are raising their concern on this issue. Other professionals that are experts on the physical fitness of children have noticed that the children do not get sufficient of physical activity which is what that makes them obese. These professionals note that children do not get to play as much at school, and they do not have activities after school to get exercise. The physical education people believe that if children get enough play coupled with healthy eating then obesity can be controlled.
Professionals found that Children who spend a lot of time watching television will have a greater risk of child obesity than those who go outside to play. This is especially true when they are eating unhealthy food junk food while watching television. Video games are another culprit. Television and video games are very important factors contributing to childhood obesity. In the 20th century children used to walk
The Evidence of a Childhood Obesity Epidemic Is Frightening
Sadly the fact remains that the childhood obesity epidemic is a reality. Statistics show some frightening trends in the rising number of children who are considered obese. If these statistics are to be believed them there is a twenty percent loss of life expectancy due to obesity. Not only this obesity also results in many diseases such as childhood diabetes. The children who are overweight when young tend to grow up to be overweight adults, and this means they are more likely to suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Overweight children tend to suffer psychologically as well as physically. Also many a time these obese children are made fun of by their leaner friends. Thus at times many also suffer from low self-esteem as well.
Summary:
Thus although it may sound harsh but the fact is parents to a great extent are responsible for this. Correct eating habits, physical activity should be encouraged from childhood itself.
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