Children with obesity are more likely to be obese as adults . This can lead to lifelong physical and mental health problems. Adult obesity is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many types of cancers.
Why is childhood obesity a public health issue in the UK?
Obesity is associated with poor psychological and emotional health, and many children experience bullying linked to their weight . Children living with obesity are more likely to become adults living with obesity and have a higher risk of morbidity, disability and premature mortality in adulthood.
Is obesity considered a public health issue?
Obesity is considered a top public health concern , due to the high level of morbidity and mortality in the United States [26]. It was reported that medical costs for obesity accounted for 40% of the healthcare budget in 2006.
When did childhood obesity become a public health issue?
The prevalence of child obesity in the U.S. was stable through the 1960s and 1970s, then began to rise in the 1980s . There were no national surveys of child obesity before 1963. There is disagreement about whether the obesity epidemic is entirely a recent phenomenon or a continuation of earlier trends.
How is obesity a public health crisis?
Obesity is a grave public health threat, more serious even than the opioid epidemic. It is linked to chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer .
What is the health issue of child obesity?
It’s particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once considered adult problems — diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol . Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.
Why obesity is a global health issue?
The increase in obesity worldwide has an important impact on health impairment and reduced quality of life [13,14]. In particular, obesity has an important contribution to the global incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, osteoarthritis, work disability and sleep apnea.
Is childhood obesity a global health issue?
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate.
How does child obesity affect society?
Childhood obesity can profoundly affect children’s physical health, social, and emotional well-being, and self esteem . It is also associated with poor academic performance and a lower quality of life experienced by the child.
The High Cost of Excess Weight
No less real are the social and emotional effects of obesity, including discrimination, lower wages, lower quality of life and a likely susceptibility to depression .
What are some public health issues?
- Heart disease.
- Cancer.
- Unintentional injuries.
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases.
- Stroke.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Diabetes.
- Influenza and pneumonia.
How does childhood obesity affect the healthcare system?
Emerging evidence suggests that overweight and obesity in childhood can also increase the risk of childhood health problems including asthma, sleep apnea, hypertension, abnormal glucose intolerance, and even type 2 diabetes , which until recently was thought only applicable to adults (Must and Anderson 2003; Daniels ...
What are the reasons for childhood obesity?
Reasons why more and more children are becoming obese include: behavioral factors: eating bigger portions, eating foods that are calorie-rich but nutrient poor (junk foods), spending lots of time in front of the television or computer, and spending too little time doing physical activities.
What is the economic impact of childhood obesity?
The annual direct costs of childhood obesity in the US are estimated at about $14.3 billion . In addition to these immediate costs, current childhood obesity implies future direct costs given that overweight children and adolescents may become obese adults.
