| Child obesity has quickly become a major problem in | | | | equally devastating effects on child development. |
| America, the degree to which may not even be fully | | | | The prevalence of diabetes in society is no longer |
| realized at this point. To consider all the aspects of | | | | considered just an eating problem, but now a lifestyle |
| obesity, a systems approach is necessary in | | | | concern involving not just the child, but also the |
| identifying all factors involved. From this perspective, | | | | whole family. Parents of overweight children are |
| a more encompassing view of the prevalence of child | | | | often not aware of the risks of obesity and |
| obesity can be observed. | | | | unwittingly contribute to an environment and |
| Statistics show that the prevalence of child obesity | | | | attitudes that foster obesity. Some child health |
| has dramatically increased in America with a rate that | | | | advocates go to the lengths of considering the |
| is triple of that 30 years ago. This very disturbing | | | | allowance of child obesity as serious child abuse as |
| trend needs serious and immediate attention. Recent | | | | parents are largely responsible for children's diets. |
| information provided by the Centers for Disease | | | | Children that are overweight need to be involved in |
| Control and Prevention indicate that 17 percent of | | | | more and regular physical activities while being less |
| children between the ages of two and nineteen are | | | | involved in sedentary functions such as watching |
| severely overweight. Actual numbers are expected | | | | television. Parents should take an active role in |
| to be much higher as regularly conducted surveys | | | | providing healthy eating choices and limiting or |
| indicate people tend to provide incorrect information | | | | eliminating unhealthy snacking foods from the home. |
| concerning their weight and height. The Harvard | | | | Enrolling children in after school clubs and activities, |
| School of Public Health also indicates that the | | | | sporting teams and summer camp activities is one |
| prevalence of child obesity in the U.S. has been | | | | way to increase their activity level. This will also help |
| grossly underestimated and is of proportions that are | | | | them in gaining self-confidence and in socializing with |
| rapidly spinning out of control. | | | | other children. Just as diet has to be controlled by |
| Child obesity can be attributed to several factors. A | | | | the parents at home, a child's physical activity level |
| child's eating habits, physical activity level, hormones, | | | | needs to be actively monitored by parents as well. |
| genetics and environmental considerations are all | | | | Children rely on their parents for their well-being, and |
| involved in the picture of child obesity. Obesity | | | | obesity puts a child's well-being at risk. Taking steps |
| involves both physical and emotional problems. While | | | | to prevent obesity as well as to rehabilitate an obese |
| medical risks for diabetes among others are well | | | | child is important. Not addressing a child's obesity can |
| known, these children typically suffer from low | | | | put them at serious risk. |
| self-esteem and social isolation from peers, which has | | | | |