One of the best indicators of a true democracy in a given country is how the government and local communities care about children and elderly populations. Only a children-friendly environment with high health standards can build and keep our free society. The timeless Marmot Review (1) reflected one of public health’s highest priorities: giving every child the best start in life because child development during the very early period of life is essential for later emotional and physical health and development (2).
Despite the fact that health care and quality of life have been improving in the US in general (3), childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years (4). The problem of childhood obesity is extremely important because it affects both immediate and long-term outcomes on health and well-being of our fellow citizens. Immediate effects include risk factors for cardiovascular disease (obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease) (5), diabetes, and social and psychological problems (6). Long-term health effects include the fact that children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk of adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and several …show more content…
The objective of the study was to assess the connection of childhood body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) to adult levels of lipids, insulin, and blood pressure among 2,617 participants. All participants were examined two times. The first examination was when they were at ages 2 to 17 years old. The second examination was when they reached ages 18 to 37 years old. The study found that 77% of the overweight and obese children had remained obese as adults. Also, childhood obesity was found to be related to higher adverse risk-factor levels among adults
Despite the fact that health care and quality of life have been improving in the US in general (3), childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years (4). The problem of childhood obesity is extremely important because it affects both immediate and long-term outcomes on health and well-being of our fellow citizens. Immediate effects include risk factors for cardiovascular disease (obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease) (5), diabetes, and social and psychological problems (6). Long-term health effects include the fact that children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk of adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and several …show more content…
The objective of the study was to assess the connection of childhood body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) to adult levels of lipids, insulin, and blood pressure among 2,617 participants. All participants were examined two times. The first examination was when they were at ages 2 to 17 years old. The second examination was when they reached ages 18 to 37 years old. The study found that 77% of the overweight and obese children had remained obese as adults. Also, childhood obesity was found to be related to higher adverse risk-factor levels among adults