Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that may often continue into adulthood. This paper studies the nature and causes of obesity in children. It will focus on the origins of obesity; how family eating patterns are a crucial factor and environmental and lifestyle; genetic inheritance; lifestyle and eating habits which all play an important part in childhood obesity. The long-term effects of obesity will be discussed and how we can prevent such illness.
Firstly, it is important to gain an understanding of what obesity is. According to Wlardlow (Journal of the Hela, 2000, vol. 7) obesity is defined as a condition characterised by excess body fat. It is also defined as being 20% above the average weight. Generally consumption of foods high in sugar and fats lead to obesity. Alcohol intake can also contribute to the condition due to its high sugar content. Obesity is a serious medical disease that affects 20%-25% of children and adolescents in Australia. It is the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking (Ross Fitzgerald, Courier Mail, Nov. 2000). According to research, we all have and need fat tissue in our bodies. When there is too much body fat, the result is obesity (The World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia CD-ROM, 1996). Obesity can be measured by calculating the BMI. BMI, Body Mass Index is a mathematical calculation used to identify overweight to identify overweight and obesity in children and adolescent.
There are many factors that contribute to causing obesity including: physical activity, lifestyle, eating habits, environment, family and genetic inheritance (www.obesity.org and Vatta, Antonietta 2000). The environment in which the child is in has a great impact on how healthy the child will be. A healthy environment that promotes healthy diet is one that encourages the consumption of nutritious foods at a reasonable amount and regular physical activities. However, according to a recent survey conducted most students obtain their junk food from KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Hungry Jacks or the school tuckshop. This indicates that advertising of high-calorie foods promotes obesity in children and adolescents. Therefore, a healthy environment created at home, school and beyond can assist in weight control efforts.
Adopting healthy habits for lifetime weight control includes regular physical activity and nutritious eating. However, it could be argued that the life style of today’s children and adolescents is too sedentary. Recent research (Mr. Anthony, Courier Mail, Feb. 2002, pg. 29) shows that 60% of Australian children are involved in sports group, however 95% of Australian children spend 20 hours of watching television, playing Nintendo and computer games or surfing the Internet. According to a recent survey conducted most students don’t do exercise at all, yet they spend about 13 hours of television and surfing the Internet (not including hours of study) and consuming junk food everyday. Poor eating habits means that the children are at higher risk. Eating patterns that have been related with over-consumption of high calorie foods are eating when not hungry, before main meals, while watching television and doing homework. Psychologist, John Irvine states that parents should set the example for their children. “Kids are much more likely to copy than learn from a lecture, so we have to get more active for our kids,” he said. Mr. Anthony also states that parents should be encouraging their children to get active and setting a good example. This shows that what children learn about eating habits and nutrition from their parents has a direct impact on what they will eat.
Some individuals have a genetic tendency to gain weight and store fat. Although not everyone with this tendency will become obese, some persons without genetic tendency do become obese. This is because our genes determine rates of metabolism. Wardlaw, Insel and Seyler suggest that genetic background accounts for about 70% of weight differences between people. A child chance of obesity depends on the parents.
Obesity amongst Australian children is a serious matter that goes beyond a child putting on a few kilos. It is an issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. According to Rosemary Stanton, obesity increase one’s risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke gallbladder disease, cancers, pulmonary disease, bone joint disorders and early death.
Obesity often causes psychological problems. Many are judged on their appearance rather than their personality. They also suffer from discrimination and rejection from their peers. They often have poor self-image, which leads to low self-esteem. Therefore it is clearly understood that the greater the degree of obesity, the greater the chance of suffering physical and psychological health problems.
There is no doubt that obesity can be prevented at an early age in childhood. Physical activity and nutritional is the main way of preventing obesity in children. Also parents and school are also the critical links in providing the foundation for these behaviors. Adapting a healthy behavior at a young age is a crucial factor since it is difficult to change at an older age. This however depends on the parent. Parents are the most important role models for children. Mr. Anthony (Courier Mail, Feb. 2002, pg. 29) states “Adults have the responsibility to encourage children to become active, help them watch their diet and set a good example. Outside the home, children spend the majority of time at school. Therefore, schools should provide nutritional lunches sold at the tuckshop and also promote a physical exercise programme.
From this evidence, it can be understood that obesity in children is more than a visual concern. It is a critical problem concerning children’s health and their future self-esteem. It is an issue that requires early intervention on a home and community level. Obese children become obese adults.
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