Childhood Obesity Research Paper

Childhood obesity is a serious epidemic on the rise in our American youth. Over the past

twenty years, obesity among children who were at the age from six to eleven has doubled as well

as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Among young people from ages twelve to

nineteen, it has more than tripled. As the years go by there the alarming rate continues to grow

rapidly, with no signs of change.With that being said, this is leading to a much more serious

problem for American citizens of the future.(1) It is essential that children, as well as parents

become aware of the health risk that come with the dangers of obesity, in order to sustain a

healthier lifestyle.

It is important for children to start early in their lives. Out of

all reasons of
childhood obesity, lack of physical activity was found to be the most significant factor in
contributing to childhood obesity. Instead of exercising like they should, children are being
caught up in watching too much television while eating an unhealthy diet. Recent studies
show that boys who were overweight, were at greater risk being overweight spent more time
watching television than others. The average time of overweight children time watching
television is 28 to 32 hours a week (3). To decrease these numbers parents should decrease these
numbers, an force their children to go outside an participate in activities such as basketball,
soccer, biking, dancing, or just walking in general. Physical Activity is very important for
children to set a healthier path for themselves. Whether or not you are athlete, your overall
health can benefit from exercise on a regular basis.Physical education isn’t just about losing
weight it’s also about sharpening your overall skills and improving ones abilities.
Another contribution to childhood obesity is their lack of proper nutrition and diet. The
lack of fruits and vegetables has become a very important issue for children. Children who

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consume fruits and vegetables less than five times a day are more likely to be overweight, than
those who eat the standard amount. Out of all the fruits and vegetables, the dark green and
orange ones are the most lacking in peoples’ diets. Fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of
diseases such as diabetes .
The relationship between fruits, and vegetables and both of these diseases have been
compared thoroughly through research. Through strong discipline an repetition, different fruits
can help prevent diabetes. (2)Diabetes is a disease that doesn’t allow the body to produce insulin.
It could also be the result of the body not properly using insulin. Insulin is needed in every
human body to function.

It is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starch, and other

materials from food into energy. Through the mist of terrible disease, there has not been a cure

made. Diabetes has many symptoms. Although diabetes is a serious threat, the symptoms may

seem some what harmless. With this being a factor, many cases of diabetes go undiagnosed. If

you are diagnosed in the early stages of diabetes, you can receive treatment that can reduce the

complications of this disease. The Cause of this disease is still a mystery to be solved. Through

research genetics, obesity, and lack of exercise have come to play a role. (4)

Type one diabetes is usually found in children and young adults.In Type one diabetes,

the body does not produce insulin. Type one diabetes includes hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic,

ketoacidosis, and celiac disease. Type one diabetes may increase your risk for having serious

problems. Some of the effects of Type one diabetes include cardiovascular disease. Blindness

may occur in this type of diabetes as well. Another result of Type one diabetes is kidney and

nerve damage. These diseases may come to the result of a number of health problems. Type one

diabetes is very serious, but people with it can live long, healthy, happy lives.

(4)

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Type two diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when the body does
not produce enough insulin, or the cells reject it. Your body breaks down sugars and starches
into glucose. This is the basic fuel for the cells in your body. When glucose builds up in your
blood instead of going to your cells, it can cause problems.(6) Over time the build up may harm
your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

Type two diabetes may occur in all races and ages, but

some types are more prone to get it than others. We get many benefits from them that our body

needs.(5)

Children are facing difficult times trying to eat fruits and vegetable like they should, due

to the wide variety of snack foods. People of all ages would rather eat salty sugary foods over

healthy foods. This habit leads to obesity. Nutrition is the blame. Kids are more likely to eat

vegetables and fruits if they find something they like. Popsicles can become

healthy alternative for your child if you make them out of homemade natural juices. Instead of

letting your children eat the same fried snacks find foods such as vegetables with low fat

dip. Another healthy alternative snack that kids may like is dried fruits. Dried fruits will help

reduce the urge for fatty sweets. Other foods such as trail mix, grapes, fruits smoothies, and

baked potatoes chips would be great alternatives. If children can develop themselves to eat these

items on a regular basis, they can reduce their chances of obesity.

In conclusion, child obesity can lead to a series a of problematic disease.

If
children take Physical Fitness seriously, they would be less likely to become over weight. With
that being said, this reduces the chances of children obtaining diseases, such as type 1 and type 2
diabetes, as well as many other diseases. Physical Education is important for all individuals to
know. While childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate , it is preventable and treatable.