Childhood Obesity Essay

Childhood Obesity Essay

The Cause and Effects of Childhood Obesity The damaging effects on a childs physical and mental health are two of the main aspects that are associated with childhood obesity. This condition is at epidemic proportions in the United States. (Henry and Martin, 13-6) Childhood obesity is a condition where a child weights more than the normal weight for a child their age. There are several factors that cause this condition such as food choices, lack of physical activities, and genetic factors. These factors will in turn lead to the different effects on a childs physical, social, and emotional well-being. Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic that affects all cultures. In order to fight this epidemic, a better understanding of the causes and effects of childhood obesity is needed. There are many factors that cause childhood obesity. A poor diet and lack of exercise or physical activities are two of the hugest factors that contribute to childhood obesity. With the lifestyles of modern families, a home cooked healthy meal isnt always the first choice. With both parents working, eating out and fast food or take out are normally the most convenient options. While most of these options do offer healthy alternatives, they mainly thrive off selling menu items high in fat, sugar, and calories. These are the foods most appealing to a child which in turn leads to children eating lots of these foods. Another big cause of childhood obesity is the lack of exercise or laziness. Children these days would rather stay inside and watch television or play video games. The obesity epidemic is probably the result of evolutionary legacy interacting with our technologically advanced society.(Han, Lawlor, and Kimm, 1737-48) In the past , calorie burning activities such as running, jumping, and engaging in physical activities outside were joyous times for children. Nowadays, leisure activities like playing video…; Xxxxx xxxxxx Professor xxxxxx English 101 Date The Cause and Effects of Childhood Obesity The damaging effects on a childs physical and mental health are two of the main aspects that are associated with childhood obesity. This condition is at epidemic proportions in the United States. (Henry and Martin, 13-6) Childhood obesity is a condition where a child weights more than the normal weight for a child their age. There are several factors that cause this condition such as food choices, lack of physical activities, and genetic factors. These factors will in turn lead to the different effects on a childs physical, social, and emotional well-being. Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic that affects all cultures. In order to fight this epidemic, a better understanding of the causes and effects of childhood obesity is needed. There are many factors that cause childhood obesity. A poor diet and lack of exercise or physical activities are two of the hugest factors that contribute to childhood obesity. With the lifestyles of modern families, a home cooked healthy meal isnt always the first choice. With both parents working, eating out and fast food or take out are normally the most convenient options. While most of these options do offer healthy alternatives, they mainly thrive off selling menu items high in fat, sugar, and calories. These are the foods most appealing to a child which in turn leads to children eating lots of these foods. Another big cause of childhood obesity is the lack of exercise or laziness. Children these days would rather stay inside and watch television or play video games. The obesity epidemic is probably the result of evolutionary legacy interacting with our technologically advanced society.(Han, Lawlor, and Kimm, 1737-48) In the past , calorie burning activities such as running, jumping, and engaging in physical activities outside were joyous times for children. Nowadays, leisure activities like playing video…