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What Are The Problems That Child Obesity Can Cause
Christopher Wen

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Over 15% of American children are currently considered obese, and the number is continually growing throughout Western countries. As fast food culture and unhealthy eating habits increase in popularity – especially by food companies who market their products to children in particular – child obesity has continued to become more of an epidemic in Western countries.

There are a lot more issues with obese children other than appearance. Child obesity can lead to life-threatening conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, and cancer. Studies on child obesity show that overweight children are more likely to grow up to be overweight in their adult years, leading to health problems down the road.

Aside from health issues, obesity of a child can also lead to many behavioral and psychological factors which can also continue with them throughout their lives. Obese children often suffer from feelings of sadness, boredom and anxiety which can lead to psychological problems as well as further health problems. Because obese children are abnormally heavy for their age, height and body mass index, they often find themselves teased by other children of the same age group. This can be devastating to a young child’s self-esteem and can cause to depression or feelings of no-self worth. The depression can then lead the child to overeat to compensate for feelings of sadness, thus causing more obesity.

Children who neglect regular physical activity are often at a greater risk of obesity. Many children do not exercise because activities like video games, the computer and watching television consume their spare time.

The only way to combat child obesity is to change unhealthy eating habits and include more physical activity in their daily lives. As a child eats and consumes energy, the body stores the unused energy in the form of fat. By consuming less calories and using more energy, children and adults can combat obesity and live a much healthier lifestyle.



Christopher Wen is the webmaster for green Health Children where he provides articles, news, and information on children toys, health, and education.







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Oregon could set standards for diet and exercise at day cares (The Oregonian)

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:28:45 GMT

As concerns over child obesity shift to day cares, Oregon could set standards for diet and exercise


Obesity focus of campaign (The Charlotte Observer)

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:38:03 GMT

(By Joe DePriest, jdepriest@charlotteobserver.com) Kids crave junk food more than fruits and vegetables. And about the only exercise many get is turning on the TV or computer. The result: They pack on the pounds. North Carolina has the fifth-largest number of overweight adolescents in the country. According to the N.C. Nutrition & Physical Activity Surveillance System, 32 percent of Gaston ...


Parents key to healthy children (The Record Searchlight)

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:33:00 GMT

Taking an active role in developing healthy eating and physical activity habits for your family is key in helping your child reach and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Eating too much and exercising too little may lead to children who are overweight and suffer from related health problems that may follow them into their adult years.






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