Childhood obesity in Australia - Essay Example

Childhood obesity in Australia One of the most important public health concerns in Australia has been the increasing problem of childhood obesity and its consequences the issue has been affecting various aspects of the community life in the country. Significantly, excessive fatness has been one of the primary health problems among children in developed nations for the last few decades and various scholars have pointed out the increase in the rate of childhood obesity in Australia. According to statistical evidences, overweight and obesity in children has been increasing rapidly across the globe and it is rightly called an ‘international epidemic of childhood obesity’. The statistical data for the problem of childhood obesity in Australia is greatly alarming. “Rates of childhood obesity in Australia are at one of the highest amongst developed nations. Around 25% of Australian children are currently overweight or obese, a huge jump from 5% in the 1960’s. From 1985 to 1995, the level of combined overweight obesity in Australian children more than doubled, whilst the level of obesity tripled in all age groups and for both sexes.” (Obesity in Australian Children) Therefore, it is fundamental to realise that the problem of childhood obesity in Australia has attained enormous importance today. In a reflective exploration of the various essential causes of childhood obesity, it becomes lucid that poor eating habits, lack of understanding of or access to food/nutrition information, and lack of fitness and physical exercise etc can result in childhood obesity and this paper makes a profound analysis of the most important causes and consequences of obesity in children. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased across the world at a frightening rate over the last decades and this dramatic change with regard to childhood obesity has become a major issue of public health in Australia. “There is evidence that the prevalence of obesity in Australian children is increasing. Trend data support substantial increases in BMI between 1985 and 1997 consistent with the situation in other parts of the world.” (Pařízková and Hills, 2001, p 29). Studies have pointed out several issues which impact on the health and wellbeing of young children in the modern world and obesity is one of the most fundamental areas of child health which is currently attracting great attention from the health care officials and the general public in Australia. Significantly, child health and childhood obesity in relation to early childhood care and education have attained much relevance and attention recently. According to researchers in the area, various essential factors such as poor eating habits, lack of understanding of or access to food/nutrition information and lack of fitness etc can contribute to childhood obesity. “Poor eating habits, lack of understanding of or access to food/nutrition information, and lack of fitness and physical exercise are all factors which contribute to what is becoming known as the “obesity epidemic”. While these are some of the risk factors, there are many simple and effective ways to prevent childhood obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle in young children.” (Child health and childhood obesity) Therefore, it is essential to comprehend that the eating habit of young children in Australia along with the lack of fitness and physical exercise and lack of awareness about food/nutrition has caused increasing childhood obesity in the country. Family lifestyle practices, which are an important aspect of healthy childhood, have contributed to poor eating habits of children, which in turn increase childhood obesity. “Research into obesity and lifestyle shows that many families continue to have less than optimal eating and activity patterns, both of which have harmful consequences for both physical and mental health. In Australia, it is estimated that 18% of boys and 22% of girls are overweight…” (McMurray, 2006, p 159). Among the other important causes of childhood obesity in Australia, an important factor that the researchers often emphasise is ethnicity and socio-economic status. According to the available data on childhood obesity in Australia, the obesity epidemic has been rising at an annual rate of 1%, and if the trend continues in the similar fashion, half of all young Australians will be overweight by the year 2025. “Important factors contributing to prevalence rates of childhood obesity in Australia include ethnicity and socio-economic status. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is greater among: - Children from European or Middle-Eastern cultural backgrounds, and - Children from families of lower socio- economic status. This suggests that there are definite ‘at-risk’ groups within the Australian population of children and adolescents.” (Obesity in Australian Children) In a reflective exploration of childhood obesity in Australia, it becomes lucid that a wide variety of serious complications and health problems are associated with overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. The most fundamental consequences of childhood obesity include psychosocial problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnoea. Significantly, the psychological consequences of obesity in childhood are most fundamental and often emphasized. Thus, childhood obesity can result in poor self-esteem, negative self-image, social difficulties, nervousness, depression, loneliness, and gloominess. It is essential to realize the long-term consequences of childhood obesity, along with the often-focused short-term consequences. “In Australia, the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has jumped markedly in all age groups and for both boys and girls over the past few decades. Obesity in children and adolescents is a major concern, not only because of health and social problems in the short-term, but also because there is a high risk it may continue into adulthood and affect long-term health.” (A rising epidemic: obesity in Australian children and adolescents, 2004). In conclusion, it is fundamental to realise that the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents in Australia has become one of the serious issues in childhood health care. There are various causes for the “obesity epidemic” which include poor eating habits, lack of understanding of or access to food/nutrition information, and lack of fitness and physical exercise etc. The factors concerning ethnicity and socio-economic status also contribute to these causes. Significantly, it is important to realize the short-term consequences as well as the long-term consequences of childhood obesity, and effective steps must be implemented to check this serious issue of the day. Bibliography “A rising epidemic: obesity in Australian children and adolescents.” 2004. Risk Factor Monitoring. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. http://www.aihw.gov.au/riskfactors/data_briefing_no_2.pdf “Child health and childhood obesity.” Early Childhood Australia. http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/resource_themes/child_health_and_childhood_obesity.html McMurray, Anne. 2006. Community Health and Wellness: A Socio-ecological Approach. Elsevier Australia. p 159. “Obesity in Australian Children.” Australasian Society for Study of Obesity. http://www.asso.org.au/freestyler/gui/files//factsheet_children_prevalence.pdf Pařízková, Jana and Hills, Andrew P. 2001. Childhood obesity: prevention and treatment. CRC Press. P 29. Read More