Introduction
Obesity is a condition that is characterized by excessive fat in the body. This medical problem makes an individual vulnerable to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure. This literature review concentrates on the effects of obesity on children and adolescents. It also emphasizes on the causes of obesity in children and teenagers. The goals of this study involve examining factors that can predispose a person to obesity and how it impacts their quality of life.
Status
A significant progress has been achieved by researchers in enabling a better understanding of obesity especially in children. According to Daniels et al., obese children are likely to suffer from medical conditions such as asthma, sleeping problems, and diabetes type 2 (Daniels et al., 2009). William and Greene purport that excess weight in people is caused by social, personal, and environmental factors (Williams & Greene, 2018). Strauss implies that obesity can affect a child’s self-esteem (Strauss, 2000). Friedlander et al. stipulate that children who are obese might turn out to become obese adults, and this will affect the quality of their lives since they will suffer diseases associated with excess weight (Friedlander et al. 2003). Obesity will affect their daily activities; they might require assistance all the time.
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Discussion
Obesity is a threat to the well-being of American children since it contributes to other chronic diseases that can increase the cost of healthcare. Also, what a child eats determines their health; if children are taught to eat healthily at schools and home, cases of obesity will reduce. Involvement in sport allows children to keep fit and cut the excess weight. Obesity interferes with the mental health of a child, for it will lose confidence, thus developing low self-esteem.
Conclusion
Obesity is a killer disease, for it has claimed the lives of many children and teenagers in the U.S. An individual suffering from obesity is exposed to life-threatening illnesses like diabetes, which require frequent treatments. The reduction of cases of obesity will involve providing healthy meals to children at home and in school. Physical education lessons should be mandatory in school to help children stay healthy.
References
Daniels, S., Jacobson, M., McCrindle, B., Eckel, R., & Sanner, B. (2009). American Heart Association Childhood Obesity Research Summit. Circulation , 119 (15), 2114-2123. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.109.192215
Friedlander, S., Larkin, E., Rosen, C., Palemo, T., & Redline, S. (2003). Decreased Quality of Life Associated with Obesity in School Aged Children. American Medical Association , 157 , 1-6. Retrieved 25 March 2020, from.
Strauss, R. (2000). Childhood Obesity and Self Esteem. Pediatrics , 105 (1), 1-5. Retrieved 25 March 2020, from.
Williams, S., & Greene, J. (2018). Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Affecting Factors, Education and Intervention. Journal Of Childhood Obesity , 03 (02), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.21767/2572-5394.100049