In the International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation, the article “Childhood Obesity”, written by Elizabeth Wambui Kimani-Murage obtained from the internet, contained valuable information concerning childhood obesity in all of its facets. Kimani-Murage delineates the criteria utilized to determine if a child is overweight or obese. The author thoroughly addresses the development and developmental factors of the epidemic, including ages and stages of advancement of adipose tissue retention. Further conveyed in the article are environmental influences which can contribute to the progressive expansion of the problem. Kimani-Murage explores the impact of diet and physical activity as an aid or contributing factor in the child obesity dilemma.
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Higher caloric intake coupled with decreased physical activity is a common indicator that extra weight may be stored on an individual’s body. Furthermore, traditional plant based diets are falling by the way-side, while highly processed high sugar, high fat foods are taking their place. These calorie dense foods are causing bodies to store excess fat deposits. Kimani-Murage identifies critical stages of development wherein children can be at risk for becoming overweight or obese and remaining that way into adulthood. The author asserts that around age five the human body begins to store extra fat deposits; if in this time frame a child is eating a calorically dense diet along with little exercise, the chances of fat accumulating and remaining on that child’s body is highly likely. Another critical stage, the author writes, is during adolescence; entering adolescence with excess fat accumulation establishes that 50% of those individuals will carry the excess fat on their bodies into adulthood. The author further elaborates on the childhood obesity epidemic by emphasizing the importance and role that environmental contributors play in the accumulation of excess body fat. Parent and family involvement is key in a child’s dietary habits, preferences, and activity level, shares Kimani-Murage. However, beyond family lies the culture, school, and community
Higher caloric intake coupled with decreased physical activity is a common indicator that extra weight may be stored on an individual’s body. Furthermore, traditional plant based diets are falling by the way-side, while highly processed high sugar, high fat foods are taking their place. These calorie dense foods are causing bodies to store excess fat deposits. Kimani-Murage identifies critical stages of development wherein children can be at risk for becoming overweight or obese and remaining that way into adulthood. The author asserts that around age five the human body begins to store extra fat deposits; if in this time frame a child is eating a calorically dense diet along with little exercise, the chances of fat accumulating and remaining on that child’s body is highly likely. Another critical stage, the author writes, is during adolescence; entering adolescence with excess fat accumulation establishes that 50% of those individuals will carry the excess fat on their bodies into adulthood. The author further elaborates on the childhood obesity epidemic by emphasizing the importance and role that environmental contributors play in the accumulation of excess body fat. Parent and family involvement is key in a child’s dietary habits, preferences, and activity level, shares Kimani-Murage. However, beyond family lies the culture, school, and community