Essay about Childhood Obesity in African American Children

Childhood obesity is a consequential medical condition that effects the youth and adolescence of society. This disorder creates health problems that were once only seen in adults, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Although childhood obesity is a world wide issue, the percentage of overweight children differs, especially throughout the United States. Today, the greatest population suffering from this disease are African American children who reside in the southern part of the country. Parents, as well as children, continue to support unhealthy lifestyles even though they are well aware of the life-threatening diseases caused by obesity. It is apparent that living an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as eating poorly, negatively†¦show more content†¦(Torgan) In 2000, the total cost of obesity in the United States was estimated to be $117 billion. (Torgan) The amount of obese children in the United States is increasing drastically. One factor or cause of this phenomenon is unable to be isolated, because there are so many FACTORS that play a roll. Nutrition and eating habits are an obvious reason as to why most children are becoming obese. Only 21 percent of young people eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetable each day, and nearly half of all vegetable servings are fried potatoes. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) French fries are often mistaken for a vegetable, when really they acquire no nutritional value. Parents are replacing fresh vegetables with fried vegetables and assume their children are receiving the daily recommended intake. However, all of the required intakes are falling short. In 1996, only 12 percent of children were getting the daily recommendations for dairy; and only 18 percent were getting their recommended fruit intake. (USDA) The consumption of milk has decreased substantially. The production and popularity of other beverages, such as soda and juice,have taken precedence over milk. In 1977, children dr ank milk four times more than any other beverage they consumed. (USDA) But that statistic fell to 1.5 times that amount in 1996. (USDA) Sugary,Show MoreRelatedThe Prevalence Of Overweight / Obesity1616 Words   |  7 PagesStatement: POPULATION/PATIENT PROBLEM: Both researchers studied the incidence of overweight/obesity in African-American children. One related it to the low socioeconomic status of the caregivers (SEP) and this study/research was conducted in Pitt County, North Carolina. The other research, four childhood obesity perceptions among African-American caregivers in a rural area Georgia community relates overweight/obesity on the parents’ level of education, income, eating habits and lack of physical activitiesRead MoreChildhood Obesity And Its Effects1551 Words   |  7 PagesChildhood obesity has become an epidemic in our nation. 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