CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 1

Childhood Obesity: The Causes, Effects, and Prevention

Kate T. Dean
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College

















CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 2

Abstract
This report shows childhood obesity is becoming a problem in the country, and it has far
reaching negative effects on a childs well-being, including physical and psychological
issues. Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and genetics are three main causes of obesity.
Emphasis on exercise and positive eating habits is very important in stopping the growth
of childhood obesity. An obese child is much more likely to have illnesses such as kidney
disease and hypertension, than a normal weight child. Depression and low self-esteem are
major problems that not only come from being obese, but can also be compound the
problem, making a child even more prone to becoming obese. By following a daily
exercise routine and implementing proper nutrition, obesity can be controlled and the
quality of life can be improved.











CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 3
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is not only a growing issue in the United States, it is becoming a crisis.
The number of obese children in America has increased exponentially in the past years,
and unless action is taken, there is not much hope of slowing it down. Obesity puts
children at a high risk of developing serious illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular
disease and hypertension. Despite the many obstacles, following a balanced diet and
participating in physical exercise, a reduction in the number of cases can be achieved.
There are many causes and negative effects of obesity during childhood, but fortunately
there are also ways to prevent spread of this crisis.
Causes
Children are considered obese if they have a body mass index greater than or
equal to the 95
th
percentile for their age. There are many causes, but the main cause of
children being at or above this percentile is lack of exercise and poor nutrition.
Television, computers, and video games, which are now considered by society to be
necessities, lessen the importance of exercise.
A fast-food craze seems to be sweeping over the country, leaving a trail of poor
nutrition in its wake. Fast-food companies encourage children to eat unhealthy food by
offering them toys in the purchase of a childs meal. When unhealthy foods are consumed
along with little or no exercise, obesity is usually the result. Research shows that one-
third of U.S. children between ages four and nineteen eat fast food every day, which
results in a weight gain of about six extra pounds each year, per child. (Mayo Foundation,
2008) Fast food consumption has increased five-hundred percent among children since
1970. Because unhealthy foods are abundant and readily available, children are prone to
CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 4
becoming overweight when a sufficient amount of exercise is not balanced with their
eating habits.
Lack of Exercise
In the United States, the average child spends three hours daily watching
television. This is wasted time that could be spent participating in physical activities such
as playing a sport or riding a bike.
Mental Health
Emotional issues can also be a cause of childhood obesity as well. Children raised
in low-income environments have a greater risk of becoming obese. Poverty can inhibit
parents from being able to provide their children with proper nutritional foods and
exercise because of the lack of time and money.
Genetic Factors of Obesity
Genetics can also be to blame for obesity in children because metabolic disorders
can be inherited. If one parent of a child is obese, the child has a fifty percent chance of
being obese; the chances go up by thirty percent if both parents are obese. Although
genetics can play a part, it is more likely to be the lifestyle a child will inherit. (NCCD,
2008) They eat the same food, and follow the parents level of activity. Obesity cannot be
inherited, but the disorders that result in obesity can. Hormone imbalances, steroids, and
psychological medication can cause childhood obesity, but the occurrence is rare. There
are many causes of childhood obesity, and with these causes come a great deal of
negative effects.


CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 5
Effects
Mental Effects
Obese children suffer from unhealthy weights, but also deal with other mental,
emotional and physical problems. In most cases, obese children are often depressed or
have a low self-esteem (Kristen Long, 2013). Obese children are often targeted by
bullies. Bullying and social emphasis on appearance can result in the low self-esteem of
an obese child, which can lead to depression. Research shows obesity in children can
cause individuals to have trouble with developing social skills. These children tend to be
insecure about their appearance, which can make going to school and interacting with
their peers difficult for them. An obese child that suffers from stress and anxiety usually
has trouble learning (Lucy J. Griffiths, Carol Dezateux, Andrew Hill, 2011) Obesity can
be detrimental to a childs future.
Physical Effects
Type two diabetes, asthma, stroke, and kidney disease, to name a few, are
illnesses that obese children are at a high risk for developing. These effects are serious
physical issues that will likely follow into adulthood. However, obesity can have a much
worse effect, death. Close to 300,000 people in the U.S. die each year from health related
problems brought on by obesity. This is an overwhelmingly high number (Mayo clinic,
2008).
Prevention of Obesity
Nutrition
In the process of preventing childhood obesity, a healthy diet, along with an
appropriate intake of calories, is very important. The food guide pyramid is an important
CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 6
tool when balancing a healthy diet. It is important that children be familiar with
nutritional tools like the pyramid in order to realize the importance of a healthy diet.
(Amy van Grieken, Carry M. Renders, Anne I. Wijtzes, Remy A. Hirasing, Hein Raat,
2013)
Exercise
Exercise is a vital part in prevention of obesity. To make exercise fun for a child
instead of a chore, parents are encouraged to participate in the activity as well. Exercising
as a family gives a child more incentive to be active. When parents set good examples of
healthy eating decisions and physical activity, their childrens health can be influenced in
a positive way.
Setting Limits
Time spent using the computer or watching television should be limited to less
than two hours each day. It is easier to control the amount of snacking that takes place
when time spent on the computer and time lounging on the couch is limited. Therefore it
will increase the likelihood that the child will exercise rather then set inactive. It is so
important that parents and children know how to prevent obesity, before it happens.
Conclusion
Childhood obesity is a serious issue, and unfortunately, very common in the
United States. The effects are detrimental, but there are ways to prevent the extent of this
epidemic from growing. Simply by eating a balance of healthy foods and exercising
daily, a child can reduce his or her risk of becoming obese.


CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION 7



References
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Overweight, Obesity and Underweight is Associated with Adverse Psychosocial and
Physical Health Outcomes among 7-Year Old Children: The Be Active, Eat Right
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. Is Obesity Associated with Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children? From the
Millennium Cohort Study. International Journal of Pediatric Obesity. 2011. E423-e432.
Ebsco. May 29, 2014.
Childhood obesity Healthy Youth National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
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Childhood Obesity Weight Loss 2008. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
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