Childhood Obesity Rates

By: Eric Hartwell

Not only have childhood obesity rates been increasing throughout the United States, it has now become a global epidemic. In the course of the last fifteen years, the amount of obese children and adults in the United States has continued to grow at an alarming rate. Experts now estimate that at least one in every five American children battles with obesity. One of the main reasons behind this, experts argue, are increasing sizes of food portions, as well as a general lack of exercise and physical activity.

But that’s not all. Another major factor in the obesity epidemic is genetics. There are also social, cultural, and environmental issues that are determining factors in how we behave towards food and maintaining our bodies’ shape, as well as our general health. In today’s society, the fact remains that the food industry bombards us with images and sound bytes on a daily basis.

A recent experiment established that containers play a large role in determining how much we eat. For example, if we are handed a large dish and told to help ourselves to some ice cream, most people will add a large amount to the dish, rather than a smaller, healthier amount.

In order for children to combat the obesity problem, they must learn to become more physically active while also regulating how much food they eat. At least an hour of exercise each day is recommended to everyone; although an hour and a half is optimal. “Exercise” does not have to be physically demanding – it can entail such basic activities as cleaning, walking, dancing, and playing.

Prevention of obesity ultimately begins at home. For children and young adults dealing with obesity, it is best to evaluate the individual’s situation, taking in to consideration environmental, genetic, and metabolic concerns while treating the arising physical and psychological damage that has arisen. An obese child’s eating plan should also come with an exercise plan. Long term counseling is often needed to deal with self esteem issues relating to obesity that can effect the child’s performance in the real world.

One alternative to the obesity problem has been the rise of weight loss drugs. One new medication on the market, Meridia, has been popular among the teenage population, in that teens who take it tend to shed eighteen pounds more than those who take a placebo. Meridia is also credited with helping improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The drug works by decreasing one’s appetite directly through the brain. Another medication, Xenical, is also popular. It prevents fat from entering the intestines during the digestion process. Both of these medications, it should be noted, have side effects, stomach discomfort being the chief one for both.

But as for curbing the rates in the childhood obesity epidemic, a lot more than a quick medical fix will be needed. Our society needs to change. These societal changes will not occur over night; it will require much time and effort to educate the public as to the dangers of childhood obesity.

Perhaps that change will come about once more people are aware of this alarming statistic: The life span of an average American will decrease by up to five years should the obesity crisis continue over the next few decades.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

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