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The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity

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The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity
The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity
Karla Bertram
ENG122: English Composition II
Instructor Tamara Dorris
September 21, 2011

The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity

Recently, childhood obesity has grown to epidemic proportions. It has tripled in the last three decades and now approximately one in three children are overweight or obese. According to Black’s Medical Dictionary, obesity is “a condition in which the energy stores of the body (mainly fat) are too great” (A&C Black 2010). It has even grabbed the attention of politicians as well as medical professionals. The First Lady, Michelle Obama has even begun a campaign called “Let’s Move,” (America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids). Americans have become alarmed at the increase in the amount of children and adolescents that have become affected. This paper will show the causes of this growing epidemic affecting our youth and the health problems it causes, that are usually associated with adults. So many things are probable causes of childhood obesity, but not one is solely responsible. T. Robinson claims that, “Today children spend more time indoors watching television and sitting in front of computer screens or PlayStations. The increased technology in the lives of children appears to be associated with the rise in obesity” (T. Robinson 2001). Another problem causing this epidemic is unhealthy eating habits encouraged by commercials for fast food restaurants, candy and soda. Other causes stated by professionals include; genetic, hormonal, and neurological. The growing concern is due partially to the severe health issues that accompany obesity. Such as: type two diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and hypertension. Michelle Obama announced, “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake” (2010). Our children should not have these grown up concerns.


References: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. "Childhood Obesity." Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, HHS. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Web. 24 Sept. 2011. <http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/>. "Diabetes Mellitus." Black 's Medical Dictionary, 42nd Edition. London: A&C Black, 2010. Credo Reference. 9 Mar. 2010. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/blackmed/diabetes_mellitus>. "Obesity." Taber 's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. Philadelphia: F.A.Davis, 2009. Credo Reference. 12 Sept. 2009. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/tcmd/obesity>. "Obesity." Black 's Medical Dictionary, 42nd Edition. London: A&C Black, 2010. Credo Reference. 9 Mar. 2010. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/blackmed/obesity>. "Public Health and the Natural Environment." Key Concepts in Public Health. London: Sage UK, 2009. Credo Reference. 1 Aug. 2011. Web. 24 Sept. 2011. <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/sageukph/public_health_and_the_natural_environment>. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Obesity - PubMed Health." PubMed Health. U.S. National Library of Medicine-The World 's Largest Medical Library, 11 July 2011. Web. 24 Sept. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004552/>. "Learn The Facts." Let 's Move! White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, 09 Feb. 2010. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. <http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity>.
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