Childhood Obesity In America

Obesity, in general, is a major health risk and, in America, it is on the rise. However, more focus is placed on childhood obesity because an obese child has a greater chance of becoming an obese adult. Struggling with obesity and the health risks and illnesses it may cause can be difficult for an adult, but for a child, dealing with it is tougher. This is an important topic because it is a 100 percent preventable concern.

Statistics

Over the years, childhood obesity has been on the rise. In our time, children are starting to become obese at an earlier age; 8.9 percent of children between the age of 2 and 5 are obese. 21.4 percent of Latina females and 22.4 percent of Latino males are obese. In 2002, research shows that 22.8 percent

of African American girls between the ages of 6 and 11 years old are obese; this is 9.7 percent more than Caucasian girls in the same age group. Unlike the girls, Mexicans are leading at 26.5 percent for boys between the ages of 6 and 11 years old, which is 9.5 percent more than African American boys and 12.5 percent more than Caucasian boys in the same age group. In the 12 to 19 years old age group, African American girls lead with 23.6 percent and Mexican boys lead with 24.7 percent.
In 2003, studies were done at elementary schools throughout New York City and, at the time, research showed that obesity in Asian American students were at 14 percent, the lowest among Hispanics, African Americans and Caucasian children. Another minority group that researchers studied was 1,704 American Indian children around the age of 7 and found that 26.8 percent of the boys were obese and the girls topped out at 30.5 percent.

Between 2011 and 2014, research shows that 2 percent of children between 2 and 5 years old are extremely obese and so are 5.6 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old. “Among preschoolers (ages 2 to 5), Latinos are three times as likely (15.6 percent) and Blacks are twice as likely (10.4 percent) to be obese as Whites (5.2 percent) and Asians (5.0 percent)” (Segal, Rayburn, & Martin, 2016). As late as November 2016, “obesity rates declined in 31 states and three territories, increased in four states, and remained stable in the rest from 2010 to 2014 among 2- to 4-year-olds enrolled in WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children).” (Segal, Rayburn, & Martin. 2016).

Contributing factors
There are a lot of factors that contributes to childhood obesity.

For many years, genetics was believed to be the cause of obesity in children, however, researchers have found that “genetic factor accounts for less than 5% of cases of childhood obesity” (Childhood Obesity, pg 189). Debatably, many believe obesity is caused by genetics and others say poor diet and lack of exercise are the main factors. Some even suggest that bad eating habits may have been passed down through generations, and making it seem like since the whole family is overweight, it could genetics.

As time moves on and technology evolves, the physical activity level of children has decreased because children are becoming more interested in electronics than they are interested in outdoor activities. Living a sedentary lifestyle is most common between African American and Hispanic children, hence the high obesity rates. For instance, some children would prefer to play video games than playing basketball outside or sit and watch television over playing freeze tag with other children at the park and the lack of physical fitness contributes to weight gain. Physical inactivity can also lead to osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, diverticulitis, pulmonary hypertension, and frequent encephalalgia. Additionally, risk factors such as hyperglycemia, obesity, and hypertension can lead to

atherosclerosis.
Eating healthy can get expensive, and unfortunately low income families can’t afford to purchase foods that are highly priced. Stereotypically, families with poorly educated parents, many dependents, single parent homes and unemployed parent(s) most commonly have low income homes. Research has shown that children from ethnic minority groups and low income families are more likely to be obese than children from the majority group, whose families are financially well off. One reason may be because access to supermarkets with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat foods are scarce in low income communities. At times, shopping at convenience stores or smaller shoppettes for their grocery needs is more convenient for families in these communities; this encourages them to purchase quick, high fat, prepackaged meals.
Characteristically, low income families are drawn to things like dollar menus, two for two deals; buy one get one free deals, etc., because they are very affordable. However, these deals usually include high fat foods like double cheese burgers, fried foods, sweets and sodas, but it’s quick and easily accessible for a low price. Fast food stops and quick high fat meals are usually the food choices of single parents and homes with two working parents because of convenience. To make things better, programs such as Women, Infant and Children, also known as WIC, and welfare were put in place to help low income families afford healthier food choices.
Geographic location plays a bigger part than some would think in childhood obesity. In the southern states, high fat foods and extra sweet tea are very popular and in many cases, traditional for those who live there. “The South” is known for foods like homemade biscuits, gravies, deep fried meats and desserts, and sugary drinks such as punches and sweet teas. Furthermore, food is the key component to family gatherings, which is practiced heavily in “the South” because it is customs passed from generation to generation; not to mention the nice weather is very welcoming to frequent barbeques and fish fries. Another aspect that is common in “the south” is portion sizes; portion sizes are often large because parents can be very “heavy handed” when preparing their children’s plates, resulting in overindulging.
Other issues that are sometimes overlooked are social and psychological factors. The morale in the home is very important. A child that is subject to a home with low morale and/or any kind of abuse can become antisocial, depressed, lonely, anxious and stressed. Some children in this type of environment may also suffer from low self-esteem; all of the symptoms may result in food indulgence for satisfaction. Consequently, the child becomes overweight and is now subject to bully and teasing by child at school, which adds to the stressors from home. On the contrary, some parents may use “happy food” (i.e., cakes, candies, sodas, fried foods and juices) as reward for a child that behaves well.

Consequences
It’s not unusual for obese children to grow up and be obese and as an adult, some resort to things like bariatric surgery.

Like obese adults, obese children are prone to medical diseases like asthma, dyslipidemia, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, atherosclerosis, menorrhea in females, fatty liver, anemia, diabetes and hypertension. Unfortunately, the earlier in life a person develops any of these diseases, the worst it can get; possibly leading to additional illnesses or even death. They may also suffer from mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia, self-isolation, academic failure or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of bullying. Obese children may be referred to specialists like a cardiologist, a nutritionist, a pediatrician, or a therapist for physical or emotional

support.

Prevention
Once the contributors to obesity have been identified, the most strategic way to prevention is education. It will help if we continue to educate OUR children on healthier food options and the importance of living an active lifestyle. Inform them of the possible health issues they may face and help them understand that unhealthy choices can become fatal. Moreover, leading by example can, by chance, be the best way of relaying this vital information. If they see it, they will be empowered and encouraged enough to do it. Instead of educating through pamphlets and PowerPoints, making things fun may be more impactful for children.
Schools play an important role in weight management and prevention. Since children spend a great part of their day in school during the week, it is important for schools to have a healthy nutrition guidelines as well as dynamic physical fitness programs. Some states have took initiative and implemented programs such as HEROES (Healthy, Energetic, Ready, Outstanding, Enthusiastic, Schools) in the attempt to gear students toward healthier meal decisions.
In closing, although the obligations of the schools are vital, the duties and responsibilities of the parent are even greater. As with everything, it all starts at home and if the parents teach their children healthy habit, they will continue to carry them as they grow.