Childhood Obesity in the U.S

As a child, I was often teased because of my weight. But these taunts from classmates and peers were not because I was overwight. I was actually teased for being a skinny kid. But just as my overweight classmates were teased for being heavy, these names and ridicules still hurt. One thing that was probably to my advantage was it was more fun for these kids to make fun of the fat kids than it was a skinny kid. I'd say the kids who were overweight received about 85 percent of the teasing. The looks on their faces and the tears that often fell from their eyes was a sad sight to see. But the teachers can't do much to stop because once outside the classroom, these children will be teased and taunted even more. That is unfortunate because with every generation, there's an increasing number of children who are obese and overwight. These days, more children currently have type 2 diabetes than ever before. The reason for this is because now more children are overweight and obese. Childhood obesity is a medical condition that is characterized when the child's weight and body mass index is above the norm for their height an age. In the United States, 15% of children are obese and that is a number that is growing.

While some cases of obesity are hereditary, the majority of childhood obesity cases are caused by overeating and eating too much junk food while not getting an adequate amount of physical activity. Fast food restaurants are popular among many children, especially those like McDonalds and Burger King which offer toys in their kid's meals. Rather than eating more home cooked meals, parents buy their kids quick fast food meals which, unfortunately is packed with excess calories, sodium, and fat. In addition to eating more unhealthy foods, children these days are more into video games, television, computers, and other forms of technology that allow them to sit around rather than engaging in frequent physical activity like playing sports or other participating outdoor activities.

In addition to lack of proper nutrition and physical activity, factors such as genetics and socioeconomic status also play a significant role in childhood obesity. A child with obese parents is also likely to be obese. They are genetically predisposed to obesity but this does not mean that the child has to become obese. If the child engaged in proper nutrition and regular physical activity, they can be a normal sized child. If they and their parents control their habits and other environmental factors, accumulation of fat can be prevented.

As far as socioeconomic status playing a role in obesity, many people who are lower on the economic scale, mainly those living in inner city neighborhoods often don't eat a proper diet. For one, fast food places are all over the place and with the cheap menus; these restaurants are more convenient and affordable than some of the nicer restaurants with healthier meal choices. When it comes to grocery shopping, the healthier foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are often more expensive than frozen dinners, fattier cuts of meat, and canned fruits and vegetables. People have to buy what they can afford and what can feed their family. Unfortunately, much of what people are buying are processed foods which are packed with excess calories and aren't nearly as healthy as unprocessed foods.

In the African American community, obesity is becoming an epidemic. The current generation of obese children are expected to die before their parents. Back in the 1970s, only 6 percent of African American children were obese. Currently 33 percent of African American children are obese and they are also showing early signs of type 2 diabetes. With the growing weight of obesity among African American children, increased obesity related illnesses and early death is guaranteed. Hospital costs associated with childhood obesity has dramatically risen in the United States since the 1970s.

There are certain medical conditions that can cause obesity in children such as hypothyroidism, depression, neurological problems, and some medications. However, for most cases of obesity a change in diet and exercise is required. If steps aren't taken to eliminate childhood obesity, the child is at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, and other disorders. Maybe one of the most overlooked disorders which obese suffer from is low self esteem. Obese and overweight children are often teased by their peers and this can wreak havoc on a child's self esteem. An obese child does not have to become an obese adult. If they start taking the proper steps towards a healthy lifestyle which includes proper nutrition and regular exercise, they can return to a weight that is normal for their height and reduce their risks of certain diseases.