Childhood obesity
the facts behind the fat
The Problem
Childhood obesity has been a growing problem for the past several years in the united states, and other countries around the world. America has one of the highest childhood obesity rates, with most states having at least a 25% obesity rate according to a study done in 2011 by the CDC. Not only is it just that kids are becoming more and more overweight, obesity can lead to severe health issues. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. And in the long term Children and adolescents who are obese may be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and several types of cancer.
2007 Map of the US and obesity rates
advertisement from Mcdonalds, one of the major causes of americas problem
Chart showing the growth of childhood obesity rates
The Cause
There are many causes of child obesity rates to be increasing, such as fast food companies such as McDonalds, and other companies targeting young audiences to try to get them to buy their food, which often times puts kids taste above health, and quality of the food. Another cause is in the world of technology, and the race towards the future, many kids are spending more time indoors, or playing video games than playing outside. a lack of exercise combined with a less natural and healthy diet can lead to large weight gain, especially in children who haven't quite devolved their metabolism completely
Prevention
This problem is preventable, and if more people were informed about the fat levels of their food, and the fat levels of the population, many people would make a change for the better in their lives, and in their children's lives. Some of the factors that influence children's behaviors are families, communities, schools, child care settings, medical care providers, faith-based institutions, government agencies, the media, and the food and beverage industries and entertainment industries. if you and your community push for positive reinforcement for healthy choices, and push for kids to get outside and play for 60 minutes every day, the population would be much healthier. With healthier choices such as an apple as a snack instead of chips, or a home cooked meal instead of a trip to the drive through can make a major difference in you and your children's quality of life.