Obesity - Medical Health Issue

Obesity - Medical Health Issue

In the past, many epidemic diseases in the United States were caused by uncontrolled factors, such as the lack of knowledge about viruses and other disease-causing factors. Today, however, there is a growing health crisis that largely caused by factors that we can control.

Given that the health problems that it causes are largely preventable, this paper argues that obesity - especially in childhood - is the most important health issue facing America today.

The percentages of obesity and being overweight in childhood have increased over the past 25 years. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) estimates that as much as 10.4% of preschoolers are obese. A further 15% of teenagers are also obese. This trend is alarming because of the concomitant health effects of being overweight. Being overweight and obese can have significant health problems, such as hypertension, asthma and cholesterol abnormalities. Already, more children are suffering from Type 2 diabetes, which is related to weight. Furthermore, many overweight children have a tendency to grow into obese adults.

Though there are differing reasons for the rise in obesity, experts have found underlying trends.

For example, genetics do play a factor in determining a child's weight. Around the world, research has shown that some people are more susceptible to gaining weight on high-fat, carbohydrate-rich diets due to higher levels of circulating insulin.

Factors like ethnicity come into play as well. Studies have found that Hispanic and African-American children are disproportionately overweight compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Many children from lower-income households also suffer from higher rates of childhood obesity.

These studies point to other factors that contribute to obesity and being overweight among children. For some experts, the association with genetics has grown out of changes in human physical activity. Concerns such as obesity did not matter when people were physically active. However, sedentary lifestyles and more time spent in front of video games and televisions have caused the human body to react differently to high-fat, high-carbohydrate diets.

Additionally, the rise of obesity among disadvantaged households also highlights allied social problems. Many of such households are run by single parents. Others are headed by parents who both work in order to support their families. This leaves them little time to supervise their children's diets and activities. Thus, even if the marketing of fast-food items were regulated, there is no guarantee that children will be able to make nutritional choices.

Children who come from a disadvantaged socio-economic background face additional difficulties.

Health programs like the MEND program in London have been very successful in instilling new health and eating habits among overweight children.