Research Papers on Childhood Obesity

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Obesity is a problem that affects Americans at an alarming rate across all age, race, and gender categories. No single group is immune to the causes, occurrences, and the recent increases in the rate of obesity. However, what may be of greatest concern for researchers is the fact that while Americans enjoys an increasingly higher standard of living; obesity among children continues to grow. This is true of all categories and researchers have been recognizing this situation each year since the 1960’s. Nevertheless, there is to date no cure, or even universal treatment for the problem of childhood obesity. This is partly due to an inability to precisely pinpoint the cause, or causes, of the increases. Thus, we are left with a debate over which causes play the greatest role in childhood obesity and a plethora of prevention and treatment theories. Yet at the same time, it is clear that the occurrence of childhood obesity places those afflicted at increased risk of health problems now and in the future. Moreover, for those suffering from childhood obesity the toll can also extend to a failure to fully develop socialization skills.

Obesity is linked to 5 of the top ten causes of death in the United States as well as several other non-fatal diseases.  Moreover, there is a relationship between childhood and adult obesity, the health risks brought on by obesity will only continue with age. Included in the health problems associated with obesity are:

• Heart Disease
• Some cancers
• Strokes
• Atherosclerosis
• Type II Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease

Childhood Obesity and Family

Once a child is afflicted with childhood obesity it is important to make a change. Experts advise that families support the child and prevent teasing from siblings. This can be furthered by not isolating the child on a special diet, but rather having the whole family eat a proper diet. Moreover, the most important thing is to make a lifestyle change for the entire family. However, this does not mean that an obese child does not need medical attention. A diet and exercise regime should be developed with a doctor and nutritionist as well as having the child checked for health problems associated with obesity.

Childhood Obesity on the Rise

Every year since the early 1960’s has seen a rise in obesity among Americans. This is especially alarming among children because of the limits it can put on their lives. It restricts their development and will likely lead to obesity as an adult and other health problems. Therefore, treatment and prevention should be priorities in the US today.