Modern mass media often pay much attention to Ebola, swine influenza, and other virulent diseases. Admittedly, their dangers should not be disregarded by the community. However, there is a far greater threat that is often overlooked by different stakeholders. In particular, I would like to speak about childhood obesity and the effects that it produces.
This problem has long been of great concern to me, and I have examined many books and articles that can throw light on this problem. Overall, it is possible to say that this problem requires urgent action from parents, educators and medical workers who need to change the lifestyles of many children and in this way, they can address many health problems. During this speech, I will first highlight the health effects of childhood obesity.
Moreover, I would like to focus on the underlying causes of this problem, especially the eating habits of many children and their lifestyles. Finally, it is important to illustrate a possible solution to this problem that can harm many children and adolescents. These are the main questions that should be examined more closely.
At first, one should mention that childhood obesity can produce various adverse effects on the health of a person during various periods of his/her life. It is important to note that overweight can lead to such problems as diabetes, gallbladder disease, and cardiovascular diseases (Nonas & Foster, 2009, p. 260).
Moreover, much attention should be paid to the risk of hypertension which significantly impairs the life of a person (Nonas & Foster, 2009, p. 260). One should mention that the detrimental effects of childhood obesity manifest themselves during adulthood, especially, if a child does not change his/her lifestyle and eating habits (Jelalian & Steele, 2008, p. 145). This is one of the details that should be taken into consideration by parents.
Judging from my personal experiences, I can tell that many adults have to deal with the effects of childhood obesity (Loue, 2007, p. 247). For instance, these people are more exposed to the risk of type 2 diabetes. As a result, they have to struggle with various challenges. Furthermore, one should not overlook the enormous costs of obesity-related diseases; in particular, these expenses can equal approximately $ 190 billion every year (Arundel Street Consulting, 2013, p. 41).
Provided that the rates of childhood obesity are not reduced, American medical organizations may have to carry even a greater burden in the future. Finally, one should remember that obesity can adversely affect the mental health of a child who suffers from overweight. The problem is that these children are often mistreated by their peers who can be rather insensitive.
Sometimes, they can experience anxiety and depression. Many of them cannot develop social skills and find employment. Thus, it is important to consider the underlying causes of this health issue which can eventually threaten the sustainability of the society. This task can be vital for both parents and healthcare professionals who have the capacity to influence the behavior of children as well as adolescents.
At first, one should remember the impact of a sedentary lifestyle (Loue, 2007, p. 247). Modern children prefer to spend their time on various forms of entertainment that do not involve any physical activities (Loue, 2007, p. 247). In many cases, they prefer playing video games or watching television. A sedentary lifestyle has become even more widespread nowadays when the Internet dominates the life of modern people.
As a result, they can easily gain extra weight very quickly. Thus, parents should pay more attention to the daily activities of their children. Moreover, one should speak about unhealthy eating habits. For example, it is important to discuss the adverse effects produced by fast food which leads to energy imbalance and eventual overweight.
Finally, one should mention that many children and adolescents lack motivation for changing their behavior. In other words, they do not always have motives for reducing their weight. These are the main factors that contribute to the increasing rates of childhood obesity. This information is important for understanding how this problem can be effectively resolved.
Overall, there is no single strategy that can quickly address this issue. One should keep in mind that this task can be very time-consuming. To some degree, this issue requires considerable changes in the attitudes of children as well as adolescents. This problem necessitates the cooperation of different stakeholders such as parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. They need to focus on several important issues.
At first, parents and teachers should highlight the benefits of an active lifestyle. For instance, they can offer examples illustrating that physical activities can bring enjoyment into the life of a person.
In order to achieve this goal, parents should act as role models whose behavior can be imitated by children. Additionally, medical workers should explain to parents the dangers of obesity. In particular, they should keep mind the risks of obesity can become evident at the time when their children grow into adulthood. This is one of the points that can be made.
Thus, this message should be clearly conveyed by medical workers who should assume the role of educators. Finally, medical workers should highlight to parents the importance of a proper diet that can help a person maintain energy balance.
Again, parents should set an example that their children can follow. Overall, the combination of these strategies can reduce the rates of childhood obesity. These methods can be efficient if a person is oriented towards long-term results. Other solutions may not bring the same results.
Hopefully, these examples have convinced you that it is vital to address the risks associated with childhood obesity since it is one of the problems that can threaten the health of the entire nation. Certainly, this issue does not attract much attention of the mass media, but its consequences can be very far-reaching.
This is one of the issues that parents should take into consideration. I have discussed the long-term health effects of childhood obesity and the factors that contribute to this problem. In particular, it is critical to mention the role of a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, parents, medical workers, and educators should work together to address this issue. At first, medical workers should raise parents’ awareness about the dangers of obesity and its long-term impacts.
Secondly, they need to offer examples demonstrating that an active lifestyle can be more fulfilling. Parents should keep in mind that children tend to imitate the behavior that they frequently observe. Thus, they should become excellent role models. So, they need to take responsibility for their behavior. Overall, medical workers, educators, and parents should join their efforts to reduce childhood obesity. In particular, they should change the attitudes of children. This is the main goal that should be attained.
Reference List
Arundel Street Consulting. (2013) America’s Health Rankings, 2013 Edition: A all to action for individuals and their communities. New York, NY: United Health Foundation.
Jelalian, E., & Steele, R. (2008). Handbook of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.
Loue, S. (2007). Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.
Nonas, C. & Foster, G. (2009). Managing Obesity: A Clinical Guide. New York, NY: American Dietetic Association.