The Rise in Childhood Obesity - Coursework Example

The Rise in Childhood Obesity Obesity has often been regarded as a serious issue that craves the attention of world nations because of its devastating effect among the young as well as among the old. Different studies have identified the threat of obesity as a disease that acts as a slow poison, causing the lives of many in the world. As it is a common factor in most of the countries, and the one draining their vitality, the rise in childhood obesity is a puzzled question among the general public. Obesity “refers to children and youth between the ages of 2 and 18 years who have body mass indexes (BMIs) equal to or greater than the 95th percentile of the age- and gender-specific BMI charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” (Childhood obesity in the United States: Defining childhood obesity, 2004, p.1). There are various reasons which lead one to be obese, like the discouraging mentality of the urban and suburban to walking and other physical activities, pressures on families to minimize food costs, reduced use of vegetables, decreased opportunities for physical exercises, spending much time watching television or playing computer of video games, and so on. As it is evident that children are the groups which face real threat of obesity, the study of the rise in child obesity deserves prominence and it also evaluates the assumptions of the society with regard to this problem. Obesity is a serious public health problem worldwide that can be effectively addressed only if governments, international agencies, industry/trade, media, health professionals and consumers accept that they have important roles to play in its management and prevention (Hofbauer, G. Karl, et al 2004). Since it is a serious public health problem, it is evident that it does not have single solution. The paper presents the vulnerability of obesity through an evidence based research. It also attempts to explore the underlying factors that cause for the rise of obesity among the children and analyses the assumptions of the society with regard to this problem. Who is responsible for the rise of childhood obesity? There are different perceptions regarding this question and one cannot reach in clear assumption that it is either the parents or the children themselves are responsible for the rise of obesity. But it is easy to understand that it has become a global health problem of our time affecting people irrespective of sex, age and/or religion. The researchers say that there are a number of factors interlinked with this problem, namely, economical factors, genital factors, social factors, ethnic factors, factors related to diet, and so on. The rise in the number of the eating establishments offering fast foods full of high calories and high fats are also deserve an elite role in increasing childhood obesity (Dr. Clayson, Mark, 2009). Along with these fast food outlets, leisure time activities like watching TV and computer activities also do the same. These activates deny the opportunities of keeping physical fitness and exercise which really helps one to maintain one’s physical well being. Some have presumably remarked the role of parents in assuring the physical health of their children though it is not possible for one to take care of their children 24 hours a day. Nevertheless, the role of parents in controlling or keeping their children away from such kind of food is not negotiable. Some other studies accuse the parents are the most responsible for child obesity. One of the quick polls (2003) conducted over this issue makes it clear by enlightening thus, “…78 percent of respondents saying that parents are responsible, and just one percent blaming fast food restaurants” (Phil, Rampert, 2003). The report also is keeps an accusing finger against the authorities for evading from a public policy that allows alternative transportation for the general public, especially for arranging bike paths, walking trails and pedestrian bridges. The report adds that interdicting of soda and junk food—another factor causing for obesity— from the school premises also can regulate the percentage of obese students. The report says, “The vast majority of respondents, [participated in the polls], 71 percent, said that limitations on such products in school would have “strong” or “some” impact in lowering obesity. rates. Twenty-one percent said they would have little impact, and nine percent said no impact at all” (Phil, Rampert, 2003). After going through this analytical report one can infer that parents are the more responsible persons for making children obese. Researchers have also identified the role of genetics and some interesting factors like the way in which one eats. The fast eating habits of the fat people, when compared with the thin, also bear elite roles in obesity. The non-supportive attitude of many schools in physical activities has also been identified as one the grounds for obesity. Is obesity a disease? It is an argumentative question that puzzles the medical practitioners and the general public for a long time. There has been debates over this issue and said that even acute diseases like pneumonia and injury are usually curable and less possible to recur if once healed, chronic diseases such as hypertension and obesity may go into diminution and have surging courses, but of long duration. Karl G. Hofbauer et al (2004,P.4) observes, “Obesity is a chronic disease, whether it is judged from the standpoint of personal suffering endured by affected individuals or by the cost to public health systems and societies.” Karl G. Hofbauer et al make a very systematic evaluation to establish obesity as a chronic disease. They are of the view that it is the chronic disruption of the energy balance resulting for obesity. Scientific studies prove that it is the long term intake and expenditure of energy—energy balancing, determines the amount of energy stored in the body. When there is the exceeding of the energy intake than the expenditure, it naturally results the increase of fat cells in one’s body, leading to obesity (Karl G. Hofbauer et al, 2004 P.4). Thus, it is evident that it is the after effect of one’s life style, and not acquired by birth. Uncertainties and ambiguities Obesity causes for certain uncertainties and ambiguities, and one of them has concerned with the state of the obese persons that the obese person may not have control over their condition due to medical condition. Regarding this issue the words of Sharron Dalton (1997) is notable when the author rightly remarks, “People cannot control the “obesifying” aspects of their environment, such as food availability and food advertising, but they can change their relationship to it.” He adds, “…in order to maintain weight, behavior must be modified continually as the environment changes.” (pp.394). One of the other issues that affect obesity is that it does not have a single solution. As it is a chronic disease sprouted with various reasons, different methods or treatments are to be implemented to control obesity. But the difficult factor in it is that there is possibility for one to be obese, even after he/she controlled it already. It makes clear the fact that obesity does not have a single solution as it originates from various reasons, like the lack of proper physical exercises, dieting, as an after effect of the use of different medicines and treatments, and so on. The monitoring to the obese students is a difficult task for the parents and the teachers. But strict restrictions, such as the physical exercises and the banning of fast food items from school premises have been proved effective in lessening obesity. The book “The obesity epidemic: science, morality, and ideology by Michael Gard, Jan Wright says about the requirement of physical activities in children. It says “opportunities for spontaneous play may be the only requirement that young children need to increase their physical activity. Reducing the amount of time that children are allowed to watch television is one strategy that offers children opportunities for activities, and it is likely to alter request for advertised food as well” (Gard & Wright, 2005, p.64). The decisive role of parents in controlling the obesity of their children has already been subjected for evaluation and the researcher has understood that parents can assume the role models to alleviate obesity. But one of the limitations of the parental care is that it may always be not possible for the parents to take care of their children. The study leads the researcher to the following assumptions and the conclusions. The state of being obese is often confusing that while some regard it as health another calls as disease. This book also discusses about the need of fruits and vegetables in diet. Fruits and vegetables contain lesser amount of fat. Indeed, they contain vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene etc. So, this information leads to the need for replacing fast food with these kinds of food items. Consumption of alcohol and soft drinks also can be a major factor for increase in weight. As it is very difficult to give up consumption of alcohol and soft drinks, the patients have to take an extra effort in order to achieve a better health condition. To conclude, one can infer that like all other diseases, it is better to prevent obesity rather than seeking prevention methods. By changing the life styles, it is easy for one to reduce the fat from his/her body. Implementation of the physical activities can do much on obesity, and if one the part of his life, obesity can be wiped out from the present society. George A Bray, MD (2009) observes, “Physical exercise and activity are important components of weight loss, particularly in maintaining long-term weight loss.” Requirement of physical activities is very high in obese people. It is very easy to deal with obesity if we start the remedies in childhood itself. Most of the children spend their spare time watching television or playing computer games. Some people also have the habit of taking snacks while watching television which causes rapid obesity. Gradually, their tendency to participate in physical activities reduces. Later, such children would not have any interest in playing foot ball, cricket or any other games. Primary schools can play a great role in lowering the rate of obesity. For that, physical exercise should be made a compulsory part of education. Works cited Bray, A. George, MD. “Role of physical activity and exercise in obesity.’2009. UpToDate for patients, 26 November 2009 “Childhood obesity in the United States: U.S prevalence.” 2004. Institute of Medicine. 1. March 26 November 2009 Dr. Clayson, Mark “Who Is Responsible For Child Obesity?” 2009 EzineArticles.com 26 November 2009 http://ezinearticles.com/?Who-Is-Responsible-For-Child-Obesity?&id=479186 Dalton, Sharron (1997). Overweight and weight management: the health professionals guide to understanding and practice, Jones & Bartlett Publishers Gard, M., & Wright, J. (2005). The obesity epidemic: science, morality, and ideology. Routledge. 64. Hofbauer, G. Karl, Keller, Ulrich, and Boss, Olivier (2004). Pharmacotherapy of obesity: options and alternatives Is obesity a disease?, CRC Press Phil, Rampert. “Childhood Obesity Quick Poll: Who Is Responsible?” April 5, 2003. Supermarket Guru. 26 November 2009 Hofbauer, G. Karl, Keller, Ulrich, and Boss, Olivier (2004). Pharmacotherapy of obesity: options and alternatives CRC Press, 2004 p.461 Read More