Obesity among Children in the US - Research Paper Example

?OBESITY IN CHILDREN Obesity in children in the United s has increased over the past years making it into a crisis. In America, Obese children have become a major area of concern because they are on the track to lead a life of poor health throughout their adult lives. Researchers feel that the next generation of Americans would be one of the first generations that would have less healthy life and a shorter life span when compared to their parents (Powell, 2009). According to Powell, the rate of childhood obesity has increased more than three times from 1980 and according to current trends; more than one-third of children over 2 years of age are either overweight or are trending towards obesity. This indicates how the situation has become alarming over the years and hence, has drawn the attention of many researchers and scholars who feel that it can be the reason for an alarming situation in the years to come. They fear that a very high number of the population in the next generation would be victims of obesity-induced diseases such as coronary heart problems, cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Furthermore, the obese children find difficulty in leading a normal childhood because their weight and body structure make it difficult for them to carry out normal activities done by the children. This study explores the subject of obesity in children in the United States in detail. Through a review of literature as well as a review of empirical research studies, it would aim to understand the prevalence, incidence, relative risk, causes and preventive measures about obesity in children. Review of Literature Obesity in very terms is defined as the excess amount of fat in the body. While there is no standard definition for both obesity in children as well as in adults, medical practitioners use two main yardsticks to qualify a child as obese. The first and the most popular yardstick is known as the body mass index or BMI (the weight of an individual in kilograms divided by the height in meters). Obesity is determined based on this BMI. The second yardstick is to compare with a standard of weight measurements. If the weight of the child is 20% higher when compared to the average weight, or body fat percentage is higher than 25% from the standard percentage, then the children are classified as obese (Filozof et al, 2002). Most doctors evaluate a child for obesity only after they are around 3-4 years and do not consider fat children below 1-2 as obese. Nowadays, with the high rate of increase, obesity is considered as a medical condition that requires timely medical intervention. Traditionally, obesity is linked to the rate of metabolism, because it depends on the rate of the energy expenditure of the body. Therefore, the body slowly moves into the condition of obesity. One of the major issues with obesity in children is that it is very difficult to keep it in control and the process of getting the body to normal is gradual (Ogden, Carroll and Flegal). The primary negative effect of the condition of obesity is serious health threat that it brings along. Childhood is an period of life where the body grows and develops. The way in which this development happens determines the health in the future. However, in obese children many diseases that normally do not occur in children begin to surface. Conditions such as high blood pressure, palpitations, diabetes, which are chronic ailments start affecting children and limit the body’s capacity to grow and develop in a proper manner. It also has a high impact on the way in which both physiological and psychological development takes place in children (Berkowitz et al, 2003). Thus, the body is not able to perform to its optimal level because of the high weight, causing an effect on the physical development of the body. Most people think that obesity can cause only physical problems for the child. While it is true that obese children are more likely to turn into obese adults who have an increased risk of heart diseases and strokes, it is also needs to be understood that obese children also face a considerable amount of emotional as well as social problems. In most cases, obese children are classified as unhealthy, unsuccessful, lazy and unhygienic. Therefore, this stereotyping can result in the children developing a negative self-image and can manifest in various ways like sadness, loneliness, nervousness and depression (Anderson and Butcher, 2006)). They are often marked out as objects of ridicule. Due to their weight, they are not able to participate in sports or any outdoor activities, which creates an inferiority complex in their mind. Hence, fighting with childhood obesity is not just a battle that is carried out at a physical level, but it also needs proper emotional involvement. Modern day medical practitioners consider obesity as physical condition that has a high level of emotional manifestations and hence, they plan the treatment accordingly (Daniels, Arnett and Eckel, 2005). Review of Research As the condition of childhood obesity has been increasing at a very alarming rate, many researches are being done to understand the extremity of this problem. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has conducted many researches about obesity in children in the United States. They carry out regular studies regarding major health problems in the United States and childhood obesity is one of them. According to their research data, (1976-1980 and 2003-2006), obesity has increased from 5% to 12.4% in children between the ages of 3-5. For the age group between 6-11, the increase is of 6.5% to 17% and for 12-18; the increase is from 5.0% to 17.6%. These are alarming statistics because the increase is more than double as shown in the figure below (cdc.gov, 2009 ). Image source : http://www.obesitysurgerycenter.org/childhood-obesity.htm In the 2003-2006 survey, it was also shown that the percentile of overweight children among the age group of 6-11 and 12-19 was around 33.3% and 34.1% respectively (cdc.gov, 2009). This a very high number because most overweight children grow up to be obese individuals. This survey is conducted by the (NHANES) which functions under the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, which is a government organization. While they conduct the survey during a fixed period of time, the methodology adopted for conducting the surveys has not been mentioned. However, the survey is conducted across the United States and these are considered as national statistics when considering the issue of childhood obesity. One of the independent foundations that has undertaken research to identify the prevalence, the rate and the causes for obesity in children was the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The conducted a survey in the last week of 2005 with a goal to find out the attitudes of parents towards child obesity (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2006). The research was based on the survey conducted on a representative sample of 1108 adults so that they could determine the ideas and attitudes about childhood obesity. The survey was carried out through telephonic interviews among a nationally representative sample of 1108 adults. Out of this number, 117 belonged to the African American community and about 100 adults were from the Hispanic population. These numbers were decided based on the percentage in the census of these particular communities. The research also included a margin of sampling error at 3%. The major findings of the research was that 92% of the American population that participated in the survey thought that childhood obesity was a serious problem, but only 41% of the parents who had children under the age of eighteen were concerned about their own children becoming obese or overweight. Parents who were themselves obese (63%) were more concerned about the obesity of their children rather than parents who were not obese (50%) (rwjf.org, 2006). Even though this research showed the awareness among a high number of participants, the results made it clear that this awareness did not translate much into action. One major aspect that could affect the results of this survey is the methodology of telephone interviews, as both questions and answers could be misunderstood in this method. The sample size is also considerably low to make conclusions from a national perspective. However, it does bring forth the seriousness of the matter. Another research was carried out by National Centre for Health Statistics, Untied States in 2002 to understand the trends of obesity in American Children during the year of 1999-2000. The goal of this research was to identify how childhood obesity varies among the gender as well as various communities. Though this research does not give much information about the methodology, it was carried out in the format of a survey. This research concluded that in the year 2000, 16% of all the boys between the age of 6-11 and 14.5% of all the girls in the same age group were obese. Among the age group of 12-18, 15.5% of the boys and around 15% of the girls were obese (rwjf.org, 2000). While there is no indication of sample size in this research, it shows clearly that the issue of obesity equally affected both boys and girls. The same research also showed that obesity impacts a higher percentage of children who are of the Mexican and African American descent. 27.7% of Mexican male teenagers and 26.6% of non Hispanic African American teenage girls were reported to be either obese or overweight (rwjf.org, 2000). Therefore, this research concluded that the ethnic origin of the child had a role to play in the way in which obesity affected them. According to the research done by Research! America, The Endocrine Society in 2006, which involved a telephone survey of 800 adults across the United States, 27% of the respondents said that obesity was the major concern related to health in their children (Researchamerica.org, 2006). Around 52 % of the respondents felt that obesity in children is a public health issues and hence, the society and the government should solve it together, where as 46% felt that it is a very personal issue and individuals should solve it on their own. Out of the total respondents, 68% said that they believed that the physical education classes should be made mandatory in the elementary schools. However only less than 25% of the elementary schools have enough facilities to provide physical education classes to the students (Researchamerica.org, 2006). The research did not have many details regarding the population ratio on which the survey was administered. Most of the research conducted regarding childhood obesity relies on the data that is provided by the NHANES as it is considered as national data. Taking this data as the basic premise, most researchers have proceeded to further research. In addition, another factor that came into notice is that most of the research centres on qualitative factors such as reasons for increased obesity and the causes of obesity in children. Causes of Childhood Obesity There are many different reasons due to which children suffer from the condition of obesity. Over the past few years, some reasons have increased the tendency of obesity in children. Here are some of the main reasons – 1. Genetic or hereditary factors – If the child belongs to a family that has a hereditary history of obesity, then there are high chances that the child may become obese even though there is no over eating involved. According to the research done by Whitaker and Dietz in 2000, prenatal over nutrition is also one reason due to which the child develops a tendency to put on additional weight. Maternal obesity increases the transfer of nutrients and hence, causes permanent changes in the way in which endocrine glands work in the body. While it is very tough to overcome the obesity condition that has been induced by genetic or hereditary factors, it is possible to control it by identifying the issue as early as possible, controlling the diet and exercising. 2. Change in Lifestyle – The main reason for increase in obesity in childhood over the past years is due to the change in lifestyle. Technology has become an integral part of life. For the children, it has manifested in terms of video games replacing outdoor play time. In addition, most children prefer to spend time at home, rather than going out and playing. Parents too lead a busy lifestyle and hence, a change in the lifestyle has occurred during the past few years (Freedman et al, 2007). Lack of good physical activity and change in the style of food and eating are the main reasons for increase in obesity during the past few years. 3. Lack of physical activity – There is a considerable amount of change in the way in which children are involved in physical activities because of the shift from outdoor games and activities to indoor games. As mentioned earlier, most children are hooked to the video games or to the television at home, during the slot that they are supposed to be indulging in some physical activity (Drohan, 2002). Over a period, this lack of physical activity reduces the metabolic rate of the body considerably and results in the children being overweight and obese. It also becomes difficult to lose the weight once the body has been accustomed to the lack of any physical activity for a long time. 4. Diet - The fast food and junk food culture has really become very dominant in the United States over the past three decades (Young and Neslte, 2002). Healthy food has been replaced by junk food and deep fried food. While this food may seem tasty to the palette, they do not have any nutritional value, but instead they add extra calories to the body. During the formative years for the children, it is very important to consume healthy food and to maintain a balanced diet. Exposure to fried food and aerated drinks increases the tendency of the body of the children to gain weight in a very unhealthy manner. Thus, diet patterns are one main reason for obesity in children. 5. Psychological factors – Research has also shown that obesity is not often caused due to change in food or lack of activity. Psychological conditions and mental trauma manifest in the form of low metabolism and high consumption for many children (Strauss, 2000). Lack of a good family atmosphere and support system, being the objects of ridicule because of the tendency of putting on weight etc. result in more weight gain. While the psychological factors can be controlled once the issue is identified, the challenge in most cases is to figure out the reason for increase in obesity. Preventive steps to keep a check on Childhood Obesity 1. More physical activity – Obesity is a condition that is directly connected to the amount of physical activity that a body is subjected to. In children, energy expenditure through physical activity is important because it stimulates the body to carry out its function in a normal and natural manner (McMurray, Hurrell and Deng, 2000). Therefore, a lot of focus should be provided to increased physical activity in both elementary schools as well as at home. Physical education and scheduled play time can help tremendously in providing this much needed physical activity to children. Over exposure to video games, television and the computer should be regulated. 2. Emotional support – Being obese becomes a psychological condition because of the media stereotype created. Hence, a good amount of emotional support should be provided to the children if they are obese so that they get motivated to reduce the weight. Parents and guardians are the main people who can provide this support to the children (Lindsay et al., 2006) . The message for motivation to reduce weight should be conveyed in a gentle and cautions manner, rather than ridiculing or scolding. The process should be filled with motivation and encouragement so that obesity in children can be controlled without affected them in a psychological manner. 3. Improved eating habits – Children should be encouraged to eat healthy food regularly. It is okay to have indulgence in junk food once in a while, but on a regular basis, a balanced diet that provides adequate amount of nutrients should be encouraged. It would be really helpful for the family to eat healthy meals together so that the habit of eating healthy is inculcated in the children at a very small age. 4. School and peer group support – Any attempt to prevent or get rid of obesity would not be possible without the support of the school and peer group. Hence, the teachers also should make efforts to make the children understand the ill-effects of obesity so that they get motivated to involve more in physical activity and eat in a healthy manner (Timperio, 2004). Similarly, if there are attempts by a particular student to overcome obesity, good co-operation from the school and the peer group is very necessary. A co-ordinated effort by the family, parents, peer group as well as the school can help in battling the problem of obesity among children. 5. Better lifestyle – On the whole a better lifestyle, that supports enough physical activity, good eating habits and outdoor play are very conducive for the children to make sure that they do not put on excessive weight and become obese. The life that children lead should be a good balance of indoor activities, outdoor activities and healthy eating. These steps will help in making sure that the children who have a tendency to put on weight do not become obese. In addition, it can also help obese children in losing weight in a good manner so that it does not affect their life in the future. Conclusion The seriousness of the problem can be seen in the way in which President Obama has called this as one of the most urgent health issues that the United States faces these days. The First lady Michelle Obama has also taken initiative to eliminate the condition of childhood obesity within a generation and has launched the nationwide campaign known as Let’s Move! There is empirical evidence that states how the rate of obesity has been increasing constantly for the past few years. This poses a serious threat to the next generation of American population because they could become victims of serious medical issues and have a much lower lifespan when compared to the previous generations. References Anderson, P.M. & Butcher, K.F. (2006). Childhood obesity: trends and potential causes. The Future of Children, 16 (1), 19–45. Berkowitz, R. I., Wadden, T. 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