Causes of Obesity

How To Battle Childhood Obesity



Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that thirteen percent of the children in the United States are clinically obese. The sad fact, besides the health risks it poses to the children now, is that children who deal with childhood obesity often grow up to be obese adults. The behavior patterns they learn as children follow them into adulthood. There are several steps that can and should be taken to combat the problem of childhood obesity.

What To Do At Home

The fact remains that it is a child's parents are the number one factor that help influence whether or not he will suffer from childhood obesity. There are many steps that families with an overweight child can do to easily help the problem.

Parents need to make it their goal to teach their children life long healthy behaviors. The most important behaviors that affect childhood obesity, of course, are eating and activity behaviors. Children who are fed healthy food at an early age have a better likelihood of developing a taste for it.

This can be a challenge, though, because many of the snack foods marketed to children are actually increasing the rate of childhood obesity, because they are loaded with simple sugars and fats. Try to teach your children to snack on fruit and vegetables, or granola bars with whole grains. These are the best foods for them to learn to like.

Next, teach your entire family to be involved in physical activity, daily if possible. Today's children enjoy a sedentary lifestyle, including video games, television, movies, and the Internet. While there is nothing wrong with these activities, they need to be used in conjunction with plenty of running and playing, outdoors if possible.

Getting Involved At School

Another way to combat childhood obesity is through the school system. Schools should examine their hot lunch menu, and make sure they are serving good, wholesome foods, not fried, fatty foods. Also, children need to be involved in physical activity throughout the school day. Recess is vital to this, and should not be skipped. On the upper levels, children can participate in physical education classes and extracurricular sports. Parents who are concerned about the emphasis in their children's schools should talk to the administration and school board.

Children should also be taught as a part of their education what causes childhood obesity, and what they can do to fight it. By giving children the tools they need to life a healthy life, you are arming them to meet the challenges they will face as adults. Health education is another step in fighting childhood obesity, and should not be ignored in the schools.

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Dedicated online information on obesity,Obesity surgery in teens studied - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:24:11 GMT

Obesity surgery in teens studied Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA - 8 hours ago THE ISSUE: A growing number of teenagers are fighting severe obesity and seeking ways to loss weight, including surgery. THE QUESTION: Researchers want to ... Obesity Surgery in Teens Studied ABC News all 28 news articles

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The Causes of Obesity Are Different for People Afflicted



Obese people look similar, but they did not all get to be obese for the same reasons. The causes of obesity are diverse, and the determination of the cause of obesity in each individual case may lead to help for each person. First of all, genes are one of the causes of obesity. Unfortunately, some people are naturally predisposed to obesity. They are born with genes that cause them to put on weight more quickly than other people. The people with certain genes end up storing the fat more easily than other people. There is not much that these people can do about their genes, but there are steps that they can take to conquer the obesity.

Other people become obese because they eat too much food, and they do not burn up the calories that they eat through activity. One of the causes of obesity is bad behavior. These people eat food that is high in fat and low in nutrition. These people eat rich desserts, fast food meals and drinks with lots of sugar. These people usually eat too much food, and the food that they do eat has many empty calories. In other words, the food that they eat does not provide the nutrition that every person needs.

Unhealthy Environments Are the Cause of Obesity

People become obese because they live in unhealthy environments. Some people eat at fast food establishments where the food is not nutritious. These same people eat too many sweets which in general have empty calories. These same people live in an environment where they do not have the time, opportunity or inclination to exercise regularly. Experts recommend that people exercise at least three times a week for at least thirty minutes. More exercise is even more beneficial. The combination of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle is a cause of obesity.

The causes of obesity are sometimes beyond the control of the individual. Unfortunately, some people have a more difficult time controlling their weight then others. There are also some conditions which might contribute to obesity such as problems with the thyroid gland. Some people have a difficult time dealing with stress so they use food as a comfort when they feel anxious. Each person has to contend with different factors in their lives. Obesity is a very difficult problem, but there is much help for those who suffer.

Up-to-date information on obesity,Obesity study: diets don't work, exercise does - Xinhua

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:30:18 GMT

Obesity study: diets don't work, exercise does Xinhua, China - 14 hours ago "If dieting worked, there would be a bunch of skinny people walking around," said obesity researcher Dr. David Katz, head of Yale University's Prevention ...

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Obesity In Teens - A Growing Epidemic



Today's lifestyle with modern technology offers little to improve one's health. Computers come equipped with games and gaming consoles are all the craze. Teens are now sitting in front of the computer or television for hours at a time. Obesity in teens is at an all time high and the rates are rising every year. Some studies suggest that as many as 33% of teens are now obese. The United States is a top leader in obesity in teens; not a statistic to be proud of.

Many factors come into play in this growing epidemic. Teens are much less active today than they were ten years ago. The have traded in skating for the latest gaming console. They can sit and watch television while text messaging their friends. Many teens now own their own car so they hit the drive through on the way home from school. Some studies show that teens will eat fast food an average of four times per week.

Obesity In Teens - Looking At The Cause

There are several factors to consider when looking at obesity in teens. If there is a family history of obesity the chances are high the teen will become obese. With both parents working, teens tend to develop poor eating habits when left to their own devices. There may be stressful events in the teen's life such as divorce, death, or even abuse. Many teens react to stress by overeating. There may also be medical problems which require the teen to take medication such as steroids, although medical problems represent only about 1% of teenage obesity.

Searching For Relief

Obesity in teens usually means obesity when they become adults. Obese teens are literally taking years off of their life. They are setting the stage for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and breathing problems. While depression can often cause overeating, being obese can also cause depression. Teens are under extreme peer pressure at school and in their everyday lives. Depression can lead to low self-esteem, and if left untreated, can lead to teen suicide. It is very important for parents to get a handle on this problem before it gets started.

Radical dieting by teens is not recommended because they are still growing and need plenty of nutrients to develop strong bones. Dieting also leads to failure because there are very few people who can stick with a diet for life. When preparing meals at home be sure to select foods that have a high nutritional content. Avoid fried and processed foods. Get the teen involved in preparing the meal. Teach them how to eat a healthy, balanced meal without sacrificing on taste. Try to limit their time in front of the television. Get them involved in some kind of physical activity such as gardening or washing the car. In the summer they can mow the yard. Plan family outings that require physical activity such as swimming or hiking on the local nature trails.

It is important to remember to show your teen support. Obesity in teens is a serious problem and parents need to tackle this problem with love and support. Reinforce the need for a healthy lifestyle and offer rewards and praise when they reach goals. Keeping your teen healthy gives them the best chance of living a long and healthy life.

Your trusted resource centre for information on obesity,New Study Shows Significant Rise In Childhood Obesity - Playfuls.com

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:05:59 GMT

New Study Shows Significant Rise In Childhood Obesity Playfuls.com, Romania - 11 hours ago Swedish researchers who studied BMI figures for more than a thousand children over two decades discovered that obesity levels had risen significantly among ...

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Adolescent Obesity Must Be Stopped To Prevent Medical And Psychological Problems In The Future



Adolescent obesity is not a good thing and must be stopped as it will lead to them staying that way when they grow up. If the adolescents should have a high body mass index (BMI), there is every likelihood of them becoming obese or overweight when they reach adulthood. These teenagers are at considerable risk of becoming obese adults which predisposes them to a number of medical as well as psychological problems. Even though considerable amounts of time, money and effort has been spent on controlling obesity there is still a lack of effective prevention as well as treatment available.

Medical And Psychological Problems That Do Not Bode Well

There are medical consequences that do not bode well for adolescent obesity sufferers such as orthopedic problems like slipped capital-femoral epiphysis as well as Blount disease, pseudo tumor cerebri, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, NIDDM and hypertension.

Besides the medical complications, adolescent obesity also causes serious psychological consequences and it manifests itself as lowered self-esteem, lesser educational achievement, lower incidence of marriage, and also lower household incomes and finally, higher rates of poverty. There are also cultural stereotypes that laziness as well as sloppiness is associated with fatness, and adolescent obesity that contribute to a negative psychosocial impact on the affected person(s).

Treating adolescent obesity is controversial as well as difficult, and many topics require being addressed in the initial evaluation such as diet history, level of physical activity, culturally determined preferences for foods, presence of disorders of behavior and family dysfunction. The doctor needs to particularly address the capacity as well as readiness to change in the adolescents.

The successful obesity regimen would be one that helps prevent weight gain and also results in a five to ten percent reduction in initial body weight as well as forms a long-term maintenance once the goals of reduction in weight have been achieved. It is possible to prevent development of eating disorders, gallbladder diseases as well as other psychological problems. Obese adolescents will likely have concurrent psychological co morbidity, which must be treated.

Health care providers entrusted with the task of controlling adolescent obesity need to raise the awareness of the importance of controlling obesity, and also identify high-risk individuals and offer them treatment that may include culturally sensitive counseling to promote balanced diet, increased physical activity as well as less of television watching time, and such treatment should be widely available to adolescents as well as their families.

Online resource centre for information on obesity,Growth In Severe Obesity Outstrips Moderate Obesity In America New ... - Medical News Today

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:07:32 GMT

Xinhua

Growth In Severe Obesity Outstrips Moderate Obesity In America New ... Medical News Today, UK - 12 hours ago "The explosion in the use of bariatric surgery has made no noticeable dent in the trend of morbid obesity," added Sturm. ... Obesity epidemic off the charts Cincinnati Enquirer Morbid Obesity Bulge Gets Bigger CBS News Obesity Continues to Surge in US 6abc.com All Headline News - Dog Flu Diet and Diseases all 75 news articles

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Your trusted resource centre for information on obesity,A touchy subject: Obesity testing (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 07:24:07 GMT
Sarah Baturka has her body mass index measured by nurse Kim Glielmi at Hillcrest Elementary in Drexel Hill. Concern about the affect of children's weight on health has led at least a half-dozen states, including Pennsylvania, to require in-school BMI calculations, and to alert parents with "obesity report cards."

Obesity In Teens - A Growing Epidemic



Today's lifestyle with modern technology offers little to improve one's health. Computers come equipped with games and gaming consoles are all the craze. Teens are now sitting in front of the computer or television for hours at a time. Obesity in teens is at an all time high and the rates are rising every year. Some studies suggest that as many as 33% of teens are now obese. The United States is a top leader in obesity in teens; not a statistic to be proud of.

Many factors come into play in this growing epidemic. Teens are much less active today than they were ten years ago. The have traded in skating for the latest gaming console. They can sit and watch television while text messaging their friends. Many teens now own their own car so they hit the drive through on the way home from school. Some studies show that teens will eat fast food an average of four times per week.

Obesity In Teens - Looking At The Cause

There are several factors to consider when looking at obesity in teens. If there is a family history of obesity the chances are high the teen will become obese. With both parents working, teens tend to develop poor eating habits when left to their own devices. There may be stressful events in the teen's life such as divorce, death, or even abuse. Many teens react to stress by overeating. There may also be medical problems which require the teen to take medication such as steroids, although medical problems represent only about 1% of teenage obesity.

Searching For Relief

Obesity in teens usually means obesity when they become adults. Obese teens are literally taking years off of their life. They are setting the stage for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and breathing problems. While depression can often cause overeating, being obese can also cause depression. Teens are under extreme peer pressure at school and in their everyday lives. Depression can lead to low self-esteem, and if left untreated, can lead to teen suicide. It is very important for parents to get a handle on this problem before it gets started.

Radical dieting by teens is not recommended because they are still growing and need plenty of nutrients to develop strong bones. Dieting also leads to failure because there are very few people who can stick with a diet for life. When preparing meals at home be sure to select foods that have a high nutritional content. Avoid fried and processed foods. Get the teen involved in preparing the meal. Teach them how to eat a healthy, balanced meal without sacrificing on taste. Try to limit their time in front of the television. Get them involved in some kind of physical activity such as gardening or washing the car. In the summer they can mow the yard. Plan family outings that require physical activity such as swimming or hiking on the local nature trails.

It is important to remember to show your teen support. Obesity in teens is a serious problem and parents need to tackle this problem with love and support. Reinforce the need for a healthy lifestyle and offer rewards and praise when they reach goals. Keeping your teen healthy gives them the best chance of living a long and healthy life.

Deseases Caused By Obesity

 

Childhood Obesity

Dealing With Morbid Obesity



Morbid obesity is a problem facing six million adults in America, according to the 2000 Census. This is a staggering number! This serious disease poses health risks to those who have it, and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

What Is Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity is much different than simply being overweight. Morbid obesity is considered a clinical disease where the body has too much fat, and it affects every aspect of life, including mobility and health. The clinical definition of morbid obesity is having a body mass index of forty. This typically means being overweight by one hundred or more pounds.

Causes Of Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity has many causes, some of which are complex and not totally understood. It seems to be that genetics plays some part in this disease. Those with a family history of morbid obesity are much more likely to struggle with it than those who do not. That being said, too much intake of food coupled with a sedentary lifestyle is one common cause of the disease, and this has nothing to do with genetics. Also, the eating habits one has as a child can lead to problems in adult life.

Health Risks Associated With Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity is more than just a cosmetic issue. Those with the disease are at a high risk of having heart disease, including heart attacks and high blood pressure. There seems to be an indication that the disease can increase the risk of cancer as well. Diabetes is a common health problem that comes from being overweight, and morbid obesity is the worst kind of overweight condition. Because of the excess body weight, many suffering from this disease also suffer from joint and muscle problems. The lungs also have trouble when someone is terribly overweight.

What Can Be Done About It?

There are many options for treating morbid obesity. The first course of treatment is usually lifestyle intervention. The diet of the patient is studied, along with the exercise that he or she gets. Often a low calorie diet that is strictly monitored is the first course of action. Sometimes weight loss medicine has to be brought in to speed up the process. Counseling is often necessary as well, since there can be serious emotional problems surrounding the cause of the obesity. If these methods do not work, or if the obesity is considered life threatening, some doctors will perform bariatric surgery, which makes the stomach smaller and helps the body want less food. This type of surgery is considered a last resort, and is not always successful.

Your well of information about obesityBuildingBetterKids.com Enters the Fight Against the Epidemic of Childhood Obesity in America (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 07:01:00 GMT
Stephen Sapienza has launched a comprehensive Web site (www.BuildingBetterKids.com) that offers parents and families an online resource to provide a better understanding of obesity and practical everyday solutions to combat this increasing epidemic with kid-friendly nutritionally complete, interactive and healthy meal plans for the entire family using everyday wholesome ingredients.

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Foundation Makes Massive Commitment to Fight Childhood Obesity - KCBS

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:17:29 GMT

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Foundation Makes Massive Commitment to Fight Childhood Obesity KCBS, CA - 6 hours ago ... (KCBS/AP) -- The nation's largest health philanthropy group announced it would spend $500 million over the next five years to fight childhood obesity. ... Child Obesity Grant KHQA all 88 news articles

The Media Presents Evidence of Childhood Obesity Epidemic



Television programs and newspaper articles constantly provide information on a childhood obesity epidemic. A former President and a current governor have taken an active role in raising concern about the possibility of a childhood obesity epidemic. Health professionals around the country have voiced serious concerns about the childhood obesity epidemic. Nutritionists have spoken about the poor eating habits of the children of the country, and these experts have made many suggestions for improving the eating habits of the children in the country. Doctors and nurses have also noted the trends, and their concerns about a childhood obesity epidemic.

Other professionals that are experts on the physical fitness of children around the country have expressed their fear that the children do not get enough physical exercise. These professionals note that children do not get to play as much at school, and they do not have activities after school to get exercise. The physical education people believe that children do not go out to ride their bikes as their parents and grandparents used to do. Many of the professionals agree that the children spend too much time watching television and playing games on computers. The children today have many distractions that keep them sedentary that were not available to children in the past.

The Evidence of a Childhood Obesity Epidemic Is Frightening

There is unfortunately evidence that the childhood obesity epidemic is a reality. Statistics show some frightening trends in the rising number of children who are considered obese. The number of children who can be classified as obese has doubled in the last thirty years. These classifications are made through medically accepted standards. Twenty percent of the children are classified as overweight. The statistics show that children and adolescents are all in danger of being part of an obesity epidemic. The statistics also show that the childhood obesity epidemic affects children from all ethnic backgrounds. Girls and boys are equally affected by obesity according to the available information.

The effects of obesity include an increase in diseases such as childhood diabetes. The children who are overweight when young tend to grow up to be overweight adults, and this means they are more likely to suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Overweight children tend to suffer psychologically as well as physically. These children are teased and bullied more often than their thinner peers. Their self-esteem also suffers from the negative treatment they receive because they are obese.

Obesity In Children