Obesity In Children Research Paper

Obesity In Children Childhood obesity is now considered a growing epidemic in the United States. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in teenagers over the past thirty years (Ogden, 2012). Childhood obesity has become a major medical issue since the extra pounds have led to medical conditions that were once only seen in adults, conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.

Background and significance of the disease The percentage of children between the ages of 6–11 years in the United States who were obese in 1980 was only 7% by the year 2012 that number increased to 18%. The percentage of children

The children had to report the amount of time spent watching television, playing video games, surfing the internet and exercising. In total 3556 teenagers between the ages of 12 – 19 were sampled from 2007 – 2012 using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index. The results showed that on average the children spent 7.5 hours per day sitting down watching television, playing video games or on the computer while only 34 minutes per day was spent participating in moderate intensity physical activity, with girls sitting more and participating in less in physical activity than boys across the board. Obese boys sat more and participated less in physical activity than non-overweight boys. Television and computer showed 38% boys and 22% girls spent more than 2 hours per day on these activities. This study provided the first U.S. teenage population estimates on actual activity in this age group. Sitting time among a nationally representative sample of US teenagers broken down by age group the ages of 12-13 there was an increase of 95% sitting down time playing video games or using the computer with boys being higher in video games and girls ranking higher with computer use. Study also showed a decrease in physical activity among 16-17 year olds in general. This study

• Diet. Regularly eating high-calorie foods, such as fast foods, baked goods and vending machine snacks, can easily cause a child to gain weight. Soft drinks, candy and desserts also can cause weight gain.

• Lack of exercise. Children who don't exercise much are more likely to gain weight because they don't burn as many calories. Too much time spent in sedentary activities, such as watching television or playing video games contribute to the problem.

• Family factors. If a child comes from a family of overweight people, they may be more likely to put on weight. This is especially true in an environment where high-calorie foods are always available and physical activity isn't encouraged.

• Psychological factors. Some children overeat to cope with problems or to deal with emotions, such as stress, or to fight boredom. Their parents may have similar tendencies.

• Socioeconomic factors. People in some communities have limited resources and little access to supermarkets. As a result, they may opt for convenience foods that don't spoil quickly, such as frozen meals, crackers and cookies. In addition, people who live in lower income neighborhoods may not have access to safe places to exercise (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;