All children are at risk of becoming obese; it is one of the easiest diseases to contract. Unlike other activities that can result in illness – smoking which can cause lung cancer, drinking alcohol which can cause liver disease – eating is necessary to survive. It is unavoidable to eat, which is why obesity rates are so high, but there are the right and wrongs ways to do so. While unhealthy eating can lead to numerous health concerns, a nutritious diet can keep the body healthy and lively. Childhood obesity is the leading cause of adult obesity, which can lead to much more severe health risks and problems in the future. If childhood obesity can be prevented early on, it would eliminate the high rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, liver disease, type II diabetes, asthma, sleep disorders, just to name a few, that we see increasing as the years roll by. These health issues are some of the leading causes for death in the United States, and should be relevant to anyone who resides within. Aside from the skyrocketing death rates associated with obesity, it also causes economic issues. The costs of treating obesity in children are increasing year by year and are even higher for treating obesity in adults.
 

Kumanyika, S. K. (2008). Environmental influences on childhood obesity: Ethnic and cultural            

influences in context. Physiology & behavior, 94(1), 61-70.

Childhood obesity is a critical topic because obesity has become an epidemic. As we know prevention is the first step to stopping the spread of a disease. If we help make people aware of childhood obesity, individuals will feel compelled to make a change. No child should have to suffer from obesity. Your parents and your caregivers should make it a priority to help your wellness. Children are impressionable, they radiate what they know. The thing we need to remember is childhood obesity can be prevented. As adults we need to take on the task of keeping our children healthy. There are simple ways to get out there and get active. According to a study done by McHugh, obesity is about more than being "fat." Obesity in itself is classified as an excessive amount of fat. This occurs because there is more calorie intake than calories expended. Obesity must be targeted outside of just a home, at school and in other places. Schools need to offer healthy lunches and opportunities for children to be outside. The reality is children spend more time away from home when they are growing up and going to school. It is the job of health professionals to provide health education that is relevant to todays youth. 




McHugh, B. (2016). The childhood obesity epidemic.Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 22(2), 94-98.

Hello!

Welcome to our blog! 

We are four college students who hope to expand your knowledge and gain an insight about your thoughts concerning childhood obesity. Here you will find some questions and comments regarding obesity among children in today's society and we hope to raise awareness and learn new information with the help of your engagement! 

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Question #1:

Why do you think it is important to tackle the issue of childhood obesity?