Childhood Obesity
Background
Developed Countries
- rapid increase in obesity
- 25% of population is obese or overweight
- Obese children are at risk of being obese in adulthood: 2-6.5 times higher than a normal-weight child
Methods-Experiment
Experiment
- questionnaire about eating habits and physical activity
- 24 obese children: ages 9-16
- only 1/3 of children eat fruits and vegetables
- 21% snack after eating dinner and before going to sleep
- 88% do not perform in physical activity in leisure time
Causes of Obesity
- Lifestyle
- Nutritional patterns- snacking, unhealthy food choices/options
- Watching TV > 2 hours a day promotes obesity along with decreased school performance, and sleep duration/quality
- Lack of sleep
Preventing Obesity
- Being active
- Eating healthy choices- fruits, vegetables, healthy snacks/meals
- Controlling lifestyle behaviors of children- providing nutritional meals, making time for exercise each day
- Cooking meals at home instead of eating fast food/unhealthy restaurants
- Educate children and parents on ways to not become obese or overweight
- Encouragement to be active instead of watching TV
Effects of Obesity
- Becoming an obese or overweight adult
- Diabetes- Type 2 Diabetes- caused by lifestyle and bad habits
- Heart problems- short and long term
- Pulmonary functioning- asthma, pulmonary disease
- Respiratory functioning
- Reduced quality of life
Our Supersized Kids
Sources
Abela, S., Bagnasco, A., Arpesella, M., Vandoni, M., & Sasso, L. (2014). Childhood obesity: An observational study. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, 23(19-20), 2990-2992. doi:10.1111/jocn.12357
Berk, L. E. (2014). Development through the lifespan. Boston: Pearson.
KSPS Public TV. (2013, October 14). Our supersized kids. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNySc_BIl5k