Childhood Obesity Research Paper

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Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a growing problem that is becoming an epidemic and considered a disease in modern medicine. In the United States alone, 17% of children and adolescents are considered to be obese (Barton p. 189). There can be multiple reasons to why children are becoming obese, with a few of the reasons being; health related, diet, family problems, and depression. However, in this paper, we will discuss the short-term, long-term, mental and physical effect obesity has on children from an early age through adolescences, and into adulthood. In today’s society being overweight is perceived as being highly inexcusable, and people who have a weight problem seem to be treated differently than those who do not. This is…show more content…
Some children are extremely obese and have trouble walking and participating in sport activities. The excess weight can be very damaging to their knees and ankles. Heart disease is another effect that can be caused from being overweight. Children, who are obese, can develop high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both of these diseases affect the arteries and blood flow to the heart. Children, who have these heart related diseases, greatly increase their chances of having a heart attack or stroke when they become adults. Children who are obese can also be affected with sleep disorder problems. Obesity can cause them to snore and have breathing problems. Having problems breathing can keep them from getting enough sleep. Other health related problems caused by obesity is asthma and liver disease. (Mayo Foundation 2015) Children are our future. Nearly 1 in 3 children are obese. Recognizing obesity early and preventing it from happening is very important to the health and happiness of all children. Parents and teachers need to be able to recognize if a child is being mistreated due to their weight, and how to deal with the child to help them overcome any emotional of physical

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