In the United States alone, there are about 9 million of
children considered obese. This number is thrice the rate in comparison
to that in 1980. About 14% of teenagers are recorded as overweight.
This health concern is also rampant in other parts of the world, both
in developed and developing countries.
Statistics shows that the number of obesity cases in children
aged between 2 and 5 and adolescents aged between 12 and 19 has
doubled. Furthermore, the rate of obesity in children aged between 6
and 11 has tripled. It is estimated that about one third of all
children are predisposed to be overweight. About 16 percent of these
children are already overweight.
Obesity plagues children as much as it affects adults. The
main factors of this health issue are lack of physical exercise, poor
eating habits and heredity.
Children who are obese are at risk of contracting a myriad of
diseases. These diseases include liver disease, sleep disorder, gall
bladder, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. They will have a
spike in their cholesterol level and may even prone to developing
asthma. Boys generally are at a higher risk of developing these
illnesses. Psychological problems such as having low self-esteem will
also affect children. This is because they may think that they are
different from their peers and thus refrain from socializing with them.
Of particular importance is that parents play a more proactive
role in educating their children about healthy habits. They should also
be a good role model by developing healthy eating habits and engaging
in physical exercise. While genetics do account for obesity, parents
can still control children's diet and encourage them to be more active
physically. With good persistence and determination, surely children
will be a healthy lot!
