Obesity

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Research Paper Obesity in Children Today, United States is facing many health related problems like breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and others. Among this obesity is one of the most serious health problems facing the youth of United States and evidence shows that the problem is getting worse. Childhood obesity represents a threat to the health of the U.S. population that must be considered equal to that presented by AIDS and teen pregnancy.

Obesity is defined as increase in body weight resulting from an excessive increase in fat (Joseph et.al 1). Leading factors causing obesity are overeating, binge eating, and low activity levels (Better Health 2). Obesity in children is a very serious condition, which can lead to many other medical and psychological problems. This poses a difficult situation not only for a child but also for a child's parents.

Obesity and weight problems in childhood are defined by different standards.

These guidelines, which are published vary and make it difficult to compare results (Wang et. all 1158). "Obesity is also a growing problem in developing countries where it is associated with substantial morbidity and where malnutrition particularly deficiencies of iron, iodine, and vitamin A, affects approximately two billion people"� (Facts, V31 344). Obesity in children is defined between the ages of 6-11 years and in adolescents from 12-17 years of age.

Obesity puts kids at risk for many other medical conditions. "Although being overweight certainly puts kids at an increased risk of health, psychological and social problems, the reality is that the great majority of obese children have none of these problems"� (Levan 2). There are many factors that can lead to obesity among children. In fact, many researchers believe that obesity in children can somewhat be attributed to increasing advancement in technology. But primarily, over eating and lack...