Childhood Obesity: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Strategies

Introduction: The Scope of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in Americans has been a topic of debate over the last decade. Americans are among the most obese people in the world, and obesity causes a variety of health problems that cost Americans billions of dollars each year. In recent years there has also been a marked increase in obesity among children. The purpose of this discussion is to investigate obesity in children, with a focus on poor eating habits and lack of exercise as the primary causes. The paper will also address ways to prevent childhood obesity.

According to an article in Childhood Education, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in children over the past few decades. The article reports that this increase has occurred across all ethnic, racial, gender, and age groups (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Nearly 10% of children between the ages of 2 and 6, and 15% of children ages 6 to 19, are overweight (Ogden et al.; Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Additional statistics paint an even more striking picture:

"The number of overweight children in the United States has been on the rise since the early 1960s. During the 1960s, the National Health Examination Survey (NHES), the precursor to the NHANES series, confirmed that the percentage of children between 6 and 11 years old who were overweight was 4%, while the percentage among adolescents (12–19 years old) was 5%. By 2000, the number of overweight American youths in both age groups had dangerously increased — to 15.3% and 15.5%, respectively (American Obesity Association [AOA], 2002; CDC, 1999). This exponential escalation of overweight children will continue to challenge society's healthcare system because they will most likely become overweight or obese adults with future health difficulties (Salbe & Ravussin, 2000; Irwin et al.)."

Health and Social Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a major concern for the public and for the healthcare system in particular. As the research makes clear, the consequences extend well beyond physical health:

"Overweight children face higher than normal odds of suffering from both immediate and long-term physical, psychosocial, and emotional consequences (Dietz, 1998; Smith, 1999). They are at greatly increased risk for lifelong health problems, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, Type II diabetes mellitus, and orthopedic complications (e.g., increased stress on weight-bearing joints). Furthermore, overweight children are at a greater risk of becoming overweight adults. The relative risk of becoming overweight as an adult increases with the age of an obese child and with the presence of obesity in at least one parent (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe)."

In addition to physical health problems, obese children often struggle with serious social difficulties. Research shows that children frequently develop harmful attitudes toward overweight peers (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). When these attitudes go uncorrected, they lead to intentional weight-related teasing (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). According to the authors, in many cultures there is a stigma connected to being overweight — one that characterizes overweight individuals as lazy and self-indulgent (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Studies have suggested that children as young as six hold these negative views (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Overweight children are also often perceived as less likeable, which impedes their social development (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). As a result, children who are obese are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe).

"Rejection by a peer at school may be the first indication to an obese individual that his or her excess weight is a hindrance (Puhl & Brownell, 2001). Several studies conducted in various elementary schools, using pictures of ectomorph- (thin), mesomorph- (normal weight), and endomorph- (obese) shaped children, found that the majority of children had negative views about, or preferred not to socialize with, the endomorphic children (Cramer & Steinwert, 1998; Irwin et al., 2003)."

Childhood obesity can therefore carry both physical and emotional consequences, making it one of the most pressing issues confronting today's youth.

Poor Eating Habits as a Primary Cause

There are several reasons why obesity exists in children, including eating habits, lack of exercise, food-centered activities, and family history. This discussion focuses on the two main contributing factors: poor eating habits and insufficient physical activity.

Eating habits are a major cause of childhood obesity. Research has shown that diets high in fat are correlated with childhood obesity (Parizkova & Hills; Hoot & Lynn-Garbe), and that many children consume large quantities of high-fat foods. As the literature reports:

"A recent survey (Troiano, Briefel, Carroll, & Bialostosky, 2000) of children in the United States found that only 1 in 4 children and adolescents met U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations for fat intake. As a result, 'inadequate amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, but excessive amounts of fats, are consumed' (Smith, 1999, p. 84). A review of current food consumption practices in school settings suggests that many schools promote unhealthful eating habits. Such detrimental practices include: school meals high in fat, food-centered celebrations and activities, increased availability of à la carte food and beverage options and vending machines, rewarding children with food, and teaching staff modeling unhealthy dietary habits (e.g., drinking soda, eating candy or potato chips) (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe)."

School meals are a particularly significant issue. Many children consume more meals at school (breakfast and lunch) than at home (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). These meals are provided through the National School Lunch Program, which is regulated by the federal government and is intended to provide students with balanced, nutritious meals. However, research indicates that school lunches in 1998–1999, while lower in calories from fat and saturated fat than in previous years, were still in excess of healthy limits (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Moreover, students who ate school meals consumed higher amounts of fat and saturated fat within a 24-hour period than students who did not (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe).

The situation is further complicated by the widespread availability of junk food in schools. Many schools provide students access to vending machines, school stores, and à la carte cafeteria sections stocked with unhealthy options (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). These foods are often present because of corporate sponsorships from companies such as Pepsi and Frito-Lay. Unlike regular school meals, these foods are not required to meet the same nutritional guidelines, and as a result most are high in fat, sugar, and sodium (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Nearly 90% of American schools offer foods or beverages à la carte at lunch (USDA, 2001a; Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Additionally, 9% of elementary schools have school stores or snack bars, and 15% have vending machines (USDA, 2001a; Hoot & Lynn-Garbe).

Beyond school, poor eating habits at home also contribute significantly to the problem. Fast food has become a primary meal source for many American families and can have a detrimental impact on children who begin eating it at very young ages. Access to junk food in public schools, combined with unhealthy eating patterns at home, has greatly contributed to the rise in childhood obesity. Schools need to become more conscious of the types of food and beverages they allow, and students must be taught to make better dietary decisions.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to investigate obesity in children, focusing on poor eating habits and lack of exercise as the primary causes. The research found that children are consuming foods that are high in fat and calories, and that they are not engaging in adequate physical activity. These two factors have produced a population of children who are significantly overweight. The investigation also identified evidence-based prevention strategies — including improved nutrition policies in schools, healthy eating practices at home, and expanded physical education requirements — that can meaningfully reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and improve long-term health outcomes for young Americans.

References

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