Nature vs. Nurture in Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity can evolve from nature (genetics) and/or nurture (environmental factors). On the nature side, genetic and hormonal disorders can predispose a child to obesity. Examples of genetic & hormonal disorders include: Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, and Hypothyroidism. On the nurture side, environmental factors have been related to an increase in childhood obesity. Examples of environmental factors include: diet, level of physical activity, and socioeconomic status. Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by weak muscle tone, feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. …show more content…
Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the United States, and today, the country has some of the highest obesity rates in the world: one out of six children is obese, and one out of three children is overweight or obese. Globally, an estimated 43 million preschool children (under age 5) were overweight or obese in 2010, a 60 percent increase since 1990. The problem affects countries rich and poor, and by sheer numbers, places the greatest burden on the poorest: Of the world’s 43 million overweight and obese preschoolers, 35 million live in developing countries. By 2020, if the current epidemic continues unabated, 9 percent of all preschoolers will be overweight or obese-nearly 60 million children (Harvard T.H. Chan, …show more content…
Children are consuming far too many calories, carbohydrates, and fat on a daily basis. Sugar and sodium intake is also a major issue in the United States. Sugar is found in sodas, fruit juices, milk, and even flavored waters. Children are drinking these liquids multiple times a day, consuming hundreds of calories just in their drinks alone. The marketing in the U.S. of unhealthy foods is excessive, and unfortunately it’s rare to see children consuming healthy things like fruits, vegetables, and water. Sodium is typically very high in prepared and processed foods, such as gravies, microwaveable meals, soups, lunch meat, etc. Children who eat a diet high in sodium are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure than kids who have low sodium diets. Poor diet is likely the most important aspect in the increase of childhood obesity rates in the United States. Lack of physical activity is another major risk factor correlated with childhood obesity. Today more children are less active and fewer children are walking to/from school. Another issue is the increased use of computers, watching television, and playing video games. Less children are spending time outdoors doing physical activities with their friends. Parents need to encourage their children to find a sport they enjoy and provide environments for children to play indoors and outdoors. Being active as a family, going for a walk, bike ride, swim, or hike
Childhood obesity can evolve from nature (genetics) and/or nurture (environmental factors). On the nature side, genetic and hormonal disorders can predispose a child to obesity. Examples of genetic & hormonal disorders include: Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, and Hypothyroidism. On the nurture side, environmental factors have been related to an increase in childhood obesity. Examples of environmental factors include: diet, level of physical activity, and socioeconomic status. Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by weak muscle tone, feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. …show more content…
Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the United States, and today, the country has some of the highest obesity rates in the world: one out of six children is obese, and one out of three children is overweight or obese. Globally, an estimated 43 million preschool children (under age 5) were overweight or obese in 2010, a 60 percent increase since 1990. The problem affects countries rich and poor, and by sheer numbers, places the greatest burden on the poorest: Of the world’s 43 million overweight and obese preschoolers, 35 million live in developing countries. By 2020, if the current epidemic continues unabated, 9 percent of all preschoolers will be overweight or obese-nearly 60 million children (Harvard T.H. Chan, …show more content…
Children are consuming far too many calories, carbohydrates, and fat on a daily basis. Sugar and sodium intake is also a major issue in the United States. Sugar is found in sodas, fruit juices, milk, and even flavored waters. Children are drinking these liquids multiple times a day, consuming hundreds of calories just in their drinks alone. The marketing in the U.S. of unhealthy foods is excessive, and unfortunately it’s rare to see children consuming healthy things like fruits, vegetables, and water. Sodium is typically very high in prepared and processed foods, such as gravies, microwaveable meals, soups, lunch meat, etc. Children who eat a diet high in sodium are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure than kids who have low sodium diets. Poor diet is likely the most important aspect in the increase of childhood obesity rates in the United States. Lack of physical activity is another major risk factor correlated with childhood obesity. Today more children are less active and fewer children are walking to/from school. Another issue is the increased use of computers, watching television, and playing video games. Less children are spending time outdoors doing physical activities with their friends. Parents need to encourage their children to find a sport they enjoy and provide environments for children to play indoors and outdoors. Being active as a family, going for a walk, bike ride, swim, or hike