Buy essay on A two pathway model of childhood obesity prevention

Obesity among children and adolescents is one of the top problems of modern healthcare service. Childhood obesity is considered to be an “epidemic” in Europe, the United States and Australia. Over 18% of children are currently considered as obese, their number has tripled since the 80s and increases from year to year.
It’s important to point out, that the future of the children with weight problems looks tragic. As obesity is a risk factor for development of many diseases, that attract the attention of not only medical specialists. The problem of obesity lies at the junction of different fields of medicine – pediatrics, therapy, endocrinology, gynecology, neurology. In choosing the most effective method of treatment, a complex approach is optimal.
Prevention of obesity should be a key point in solving this problem, especially for children and youth. So, important and urgent steps should be taken today to promote healthy behaviors and conditions among children and their families. Prevention should be considered as the best way of solving the problem.
The problem of obesity
A correct assessment of overweight and obesity is needed to be explained. Contradictions arise due to the ambiguity of interpretations of such notions as overweight and obesity. Experts of the WHO and the special international obesity commission consider the criterion of overweight to be a body mass index (a BMI) equal or more than 25, and “obesity” – a BMI equal to or more than 30.
The obesity epidemic require a strong and comprehensive approach, that include federal, state, and local public agencies, schools, community organizations, the medical community, food industry, and others.
So speaking about the problem of childhood obesity and ways of its solving, first of all it is important to point out causes of this disease. We know that there are some genetic and hormonal causes of childhood obesity. But now many specialists say about 2 key problems that are: disbalanced nutrition and lifestyle.
It means that if children consume the calories needed for daily activities and growth, they add pounds in proportion to their growth. But if a child eats more calories than he needs, he will gain weight.
We should remember that it is a problem of nowadays, as it is mostly caused by:
• an increased intake of energy-dense foods, that are high in fat and sugars, but low in vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients;
• a decrease in physical activity, due to the sedentary nature of many kinds of work, changing modes of transportation, watching television and computer games.
So what are the main risk factors that can increase child’s risk of becoming overweight:
 Diet. Unbalanced nutrition, regular consumption of high-calorie, fat and sweet foods, can be the main cause of gaining weight. Children usually like fast foods, baked goods, soft drinks, candy and desserts . Foods and drinks like these are high in fat, sugar and amount of calories.
 Inactive lifestyle. Sedentary kids are more likely to gain weight, because physical activity burn calories. So such inactive activities as watching television, playing video and computer games, contribute to the problem. Walking, running, swimming, playing sport games make is a good way of time-spending( Ward D.S, Vaughn A., McWilliams)
 Genetics. Genetically predisposed children, who have parents with weight problems are likely to have the same problems.
 Family factors. First of all parents are responsible for children nutrition, they should care of the quantity and quality of the food. Parents should not buy too sweet, salty and fatty foods. Nowadays because of lack of time, parents buy fast food to their children, and don’t pay enough attention to healthy food.
 Psychological factors. The problem of eating disorders among young is a hot issue. Some children overeat because of depression, to deal with emotions, such as stress or boredom.
 Socioeconomic factors. It’s a pity, but not all people today have an access to qualitative and healthy food. So low-income parents may lack resources for healthy food, good medication and sport trainings. That is why poverty and obesity often are connected.