Child Obesity and Its Causes - Essay Example

Child Obesity and Its CausesObesity is one of most critical childhood diseases being faced by many children of the present world. It is critical because it adversely affects the mental and physical health of children, as well as decreases their level of self-confidence. Moreover, this disease puts an off-putting impact on the efficiency levels of children who are fat as compared to other children of their age group. For example, such children cannot do physical exertion as other children of their age can do.

The main causes of childhood obesity known so far through research include lack of physical exercises and lack of balanced diet. Children who do less physical activities and spend most of their time watching television and playing computer games are more prone to childhood obesity. For example, a child who prefers playing games on computer instead of playing physical games in the playground is more likely to face childhood obesity. Similarly, a child who prefers to watch cartoons on television in free time instead of playing some game with friends is likely to experience the medical problem of obesity.

Lack of physical activities creates a nutritional imbalance in the body, which ultimately affects the overall body shape. It is a fact that when a person does not perform any physical activity, the levels of fats and cholesterol start rising in the body that results in fatness or obesity. For children, the nutritional imbalance causes obesity the effects of which even linger into their future lives. For example, children facing the problem of obesity lose their confidence when peers make fun of them, as well as face a number of critical health issues, which may include high blood pressure, chronic heart problems, joint pains, diabetes, and decrease in stamina.

During the earlier years of a person’s life, human body experiences different stages of development and provision of a particular set of proteins, calcium, potassium, vitamins, and all other nutrients is the requirement of each of those stages. However, when a child avoids physical activities and likes to eat junk food most of the time in early years of life, the levels of cholesterol and fats start rising in the body while decreasing the levels of other nutrients.It is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and media to create awareness among children regarding the importance of nutritional values in life.

For example, in schools teachers can teach students the importance of doing physical activities and eating a balanced diet, which should include fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, parents need to improve the playing and diet routine of their children instead of just letting them play and eat the way they want. For example, parents should make their children follow a proper diet plan, as well as to have the plan for physical exercises. They should make them play physical games instead of spending time playing computer games.

Moreover, nursing professionals and media channels can also play a significant role in this regard by creating awareness about the importance of fruits, vegetables, and physical exercises for children.