The Effects Of Childhood Obesity Can Be Traumatic

Obesity in children is a very serious issue. The effects of childhood obesity can have health and social consequences that continue into adulthood. Prevention programs and understanding the treatment for youngsters is extremely important in controlling this obesity epidemic. Parents are very concerned about their children’s weight and how it affects them in with their peers and in society. They are looking for specific answers for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.  The effects of childhood obesity range from major psychological problems to serious health issues and chronic social problems.

Health Issues

First and foremost are the effects of childhood obesity that plays in the health of a child. Hypertension and diabetes are two of the most prevalent diseases which are direct results of childhood obesity. These health problems continue into adulthood and the results are astounding. The quality of life is another adverse effect of childhood obesity. These children cannot join into sports programs or even play certain games with their friends. This is a lasting psychological effect of childhood obesity. These children grow into adults with very low self-esteem which leads to depression and most often suicide. If children do not get adequate nutritional and exercise guidelines at a young age they will have a very hard time grasping the concept as an adult. The old saying that fat babies make fat adults is coming true.

Most schools have eliminated P.E. in their curriculum which has helped with the onset of childhood obesity. Exercise is a very important aspect to children’s health. Parents are starting to rebel and demand that their school districts reinstate P.E. into the daily school regimen. Obesity is more common in girls, but more noticeable in boys. Fat deposits are located in far less areas of the exterior of the male body than the female body, therefore, it becomes larger in a much shorter period of time, in a limited number of places. Boys become fatter in the stomach, back and chest and may even grow small breasts. Other slimmer boys are very cruel to the fat boys, which results in all kinds of psychological problems. Obesity in children is becoming an epidemic and a cure needs to be found. Whether it is chemical answer or strict daily nutrition and exercise, the family and school need to come to the forefront of the fight against the effects of childhood obesity. This is a disease that children do not need to be faced with. They need to be playing with their friends and learning how to become productive individuals. Childhood obesity needs to become a disease of the past.

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Obesity Health Problems Capturing Public Concern

Due to increased awareness of obesity and health problems, many individuals, as well as medical professionals, are beginning to view being overweight as a medical condition and not simply a bad lifestyle choice. For years, many health professionals and most of public opinion focused on the lifestyle of those suffering from being overweight, refusing to accept the need for medical intervention for excess weight, but a renewed effort by many physicians have brought the connection between obesity and health problems into the public light.

Although obesity, those having a body mass index of 30 or higher, has been around for centuries, it was not until recently that the announcement of a gene being found that controls a person’s weight. Researchers in 1994 made the worldwide public announcement that the gene, related to obesity and health problems, controlled the appetite as well as metabolism, giving credence to the tie in of obesity to being a medical issue and not just a lifestyle issue.

While there is little dispute that diet habits contribute to many of the overweight problems people of every walk of life and economic status suffer. There are many convinced that those of less economic means suffer from being overweight more than those financially secure, the obesity and health problems know no boundaries in inflicting the problems either caused by or associated with obesity.

Major Ailments Connected To Being Overweight

Coronary artery disease and heart problems have been tied to obesity since a Framingham, Mass., study in 1948 showed the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in respect to weight. Additional connections between obesity and health problems were earlier announced after a study at the University of Minnesota determined that so-called yo-yo dieting could lead to health problems.

In addition to heart problems, it has been well documented that a connection exists between obesity and health problems such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Diabetes can be further complicated by high blood pressure often present in those overweight and the extra weight may also cause mobility problems, reducing the person’s ability to exercise further damaging heart muscles. Additionally, the lack of exercise reduces the production of good cholesterol, further complicating heart health.

The lack or exercise, especially those with a sedentary lifestyle can cause problems with joints and the increase weight being carried can add to the obesity and health problems often suffered by those with a weight problem. Regardless of the type of exercise, once cleared by the doctor, it can with weight loss as well as mobility.