The Childhood Obesity - Essay Example

The Childhood Obesity Obesity or rather childhood obesity is a medical condition that has drawn great concern among stakeholders in recent times. In fact this condition is now considered a epidemic in western countries seen as it is about 15% of the children in those countries are obese. According to the centre for disease control and prevention, childhood obesity prevalence has quadrupled over just a period of 20 years i.e. from 1985-2006. In 2006, 30% of children in Mississippi and Virginia were obese. Other states had a prevalence rate of 25% except for only four which had a rate of 20%. (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing_factors.htm). A child is considered obese when his/her weight is acutely unproportional to height, BMI and chronological age. Contrary to what most people believe childhood obesity is not only caused by over eating. There are other factors that cause obesity in children for instance, hereditary genes, disease and psychological triggers. Childhood obesity can bring about health complications which are life threatening. Some complications arising from obesity include but not limited to high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, cardiac diseases, bone fractures, breathing difficulty, chronic depression and insomnia and so on. Important to note is that children who are obese will most likely grow to be obese adults. This means that they face social and health problems throughout their lives. Social complications confronting obese children include being teased and bullied, isolation and discrimination at school hence loneliness. It worst scenarios some children have committed suicide or engaged in prostitution in the hope of finding acceptance and appreciation in all the wrong places. The bottom line is childhood obesity robs children of their childhood and self esteem. Prevention Prevention measures to curb the problem on childhood obesity have been intensified so as to ensure those at risk of developing obesity are assisted. For example parents are these days sensitized to ensure they serve children with healthy foods and avoid junk. School cafeterias have also been compelled to give low calorie foods to students and more fruits and vegetables. This follows the realization that most cases of obesity are acquired from poor dietary habits. Additionally, parents and teachers at school are advised to encourage physical activity among their children so that they burn excess fat that causes obesity. Physical education is compulsory in schools and this has helped to prevent obesity. In instances where obesity is caused by psychological factors such as boredom, distress etc therapy has worked to alleviate turmoil and help the children find healthier ways which they can channel their inner feelings and find relief. It cases where obesity is genetic, doctors have come up with surgical procedures and medication that can help patients achieve healthy weight say the gastric bypass. (Koplan, Liverman, & Kraak, 66-78). Apparently, childhood obesity is not the only condition prevalent in children. Other diseases abound and show high linkage to dietary and lifestyle habits, for instance, juvenile diabetes and more specifically type 2 diabetes. Experts today boldly say that nutrition has a significant impact in prevention and treatment of diabetes. Managing diabetes depends on how one controls blood sugar levels. In that case dietary habits have to change. Firstly, it is important to incorporate high fiber carbohydrates that do not spike sugar levels in the children. This means whole grain cereals, pasta, and bread and so on. Also parents must ensure that carbohydrates are served in smaller proportions. This ensures that the body’s insulin producing mechanism is not stressed to failure. Further choice of good fats is paramount in preventing juvenile diabetes. Recommended fats include fish oils, vegetable oils and such like. (http://ndep.nih.gov/). Fruits and vegetables should dominate children’s meals as they have vitamins and minerals that aid in optimum functioning of body organs such as the hypothalamus, liver and pancreases that are responsible for production of insulin. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, B and K found in dark green vegetables and red-orange fruits. (Silink, Kida & Rosenbloom, 15-56) Signs, symptoms and prevention The initial signs of diabetes include fatigue, dizziness and fainting, thirst, frequent urination, involuntary weight loss, vaginal yeast in ladies, blurry eyesight and bad breath and so on. Treatment of diabetes is a lifelong procedure that entails constant monitoring of one’s levels and of course what one eats. It also entails staying active to keep weight and bad cholesterol at bay. In most cases the physician will assign a patient to drugs or shots that control insulin in the blood. These medications should be taken diligently. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2003.pdf Personal opinion Children with obesity or juvenile diabetes feel inhibited to reach their fullest potential owing to the stigma they face and the time lost frequenting hospital and ingesting medication. However I believe that with the help of family members and teachers they can be able to surmount this condition and lead healthy lives. For example family members may offer support by taking part in changing eating habits in the family as well as making time to engage in physical activity like walking and jogging together and so on. Conclusion Childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes are diseases that have become very common today and while risk factors like hereditary traits, psychological disorder, disease have a contribution to their advancement they take a back seat as compared to behavioral and lifestyle factors like exercise and eating habits. Nutrition plays a very important role in preventing these medical conditions hence it is up to the parents to ensure that they teach children on proper diets so that they can make healthy food choices while away from home. A healthy diet should always include i.e. protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fat, minerals, roughage and water. Healthy nutrition in our children will ensure that precious experience of childhood is not robbed away from them. Sample menu of obesity Breakfast Oatmeal porridge Freshly blended mango and orange juice Boiled egg. Mid morning snack Roast groundnuts An apple Lunch Brown rice Stir fried French beans Grilled chicken A glass of carrot juice Late afternoon snack A banana and a cup of tea Dinner Fish fillet Vegetable salad and broccoli Whole meal bread Beetroot and melon juice cocktail. Sample menu of diabetes Breakfast Whole meal bread A glass of milk Sliced kiwi fruit and melon Mid morning snack Handful of almond nuts An apple Lunch Mashed potatoes Stewed black-eyed beans Steamed cabbage A glass of fresh mango juice Late afternoon snack A slice of avocado A cup of porridge Dinner Tuna Brown rice Vegetable salad A glass of low fat milk Works cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight and Obesity. Posted on November 17, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007 from: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing_factors.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Atlanta, GA, 2004. Retrieved on December 13, 2007 from: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2003.pdf Koplan, Jeffrey, Liverman, Catharyn T. & Kraak, Vivica I. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health In The balance. ISBN 0309091969: National Academies Press. 2005 National diabetes education program. Make healthy food choices. Accessed on December 13, 2007 from: http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/youth/youthtips/youthtips_eat.htm Silink, Martin, Kida, Kaichi & Rosenbloom, Arlan L. Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents: A global perspective. ISBN 1841842958. Taylor and Francis group. 2003. Read More