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Chelsea Wood SWK 333 Research Paper Adolescent Obesity Obesity is an undeniable problem in the United States today. With rising concerns over the affects obesity has on ones health, doctors, scientists, and researchers are all racking their brains to figure out the causes of obesity. At the heart of this research also lies one of the most controversial issues in the obesity crisis, whether or not obesity is genetic. The following paper discusses obesity and concentrates on how obesity affects adolescents. First of all, what is obesity? Basically, obesity means having too much body fat. Determining whether or not a person is considered obese can be done several ways. The most accurate and precise way to measure a person’s body fat involves weighing an individual underwater using very sophisticated equipment (http://tjclarkinc.com). In this method, a person is placed in water and electronic equipment is used to measure how much water has been displaced, thus giving body fat results. Since this method is not readily available to all, an alternative method is often used. Height and weight charts can be used as a guideline for determining whether or not a person is overweight. These tables have ranges of acceptable weights based on how tall a person is (http://tjclarkinc.com). Some charts take into consideration a persons age and sex while others do not. This method has limitations, including that it cannot
distinguish excess fat from muscle, which can result in a very muscular person appearing obese (http://tjclarkinc.com). The use of BMI, or body mass index, to determine how much excess body fat a person possesses has gained recognition as being the most widely used method for determining obesity (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). Calculating BMI involves a mathematical formula which takes a persons weight in kilograms and divides it by height in meters squared, or BMI=kg/m2 (www.athealth.com). A BMI of 25 or more indicates a person is overweight; 30 or more indicates obesity (www.athealth.com). Simpler methods of measuring body fat include measuring skin fold thickness and bioelectric impedance analysis. By measuring the thickness of skin in certain areas, usually under the arms, around the waist, and in the thighs, a person can get an idea of the amount of excess fat on their bodies. Bioelectric impedance analysis sends harmless electric currents through one’s body and measures their resistance and flow to determine how much excess body fat a person has (http://tjclarkinc.com). These two methods are commonly used in health clubs, but it is cautioned that the results should be viewed skeptically (http://tjclarkinc.com). Now that we have established what obesity is and how it is determined, let’s look at why obesity is a concern. Obesity rates have increased dramatically in both adults and children in recent years (www.abcnews.go.com). Someone who is 40% overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as an average weight person (http://tjclarkinc.com). Obesity has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and higher risks of different types of cancer (http://tjclarkinc.com). Women and men experience different
amount of people studied, the length of time they were studied, and the fact that the results were able to be replicated in different populations. Over a 24 year span, 9, people were studied for this project (www.abcnews.go.com). “The results weren’t a fluke.” says Dr. Teri Manolio from the National Genome Research Institute. Manolio also states that it was one of the best study’s she has seen done on the topic (www.abcnews.go.com). Are certain children destined to be overweight, or is it their parents fault? The website www.athealth.com states that "children become overweight for a variety of reasons including genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of all". Children with obese parents are twice as likely to become obese as adults(http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). However, is this evidence to support that obesity is genetic? A child will eat what they are given, so if obese parents are providing the same meals to their children, is this not the main factor in their obesity? “Shared family behavior such as eating and activity habits influence the body weight of children” (www.athealth.com). A child’s activity level can also strongly influence their weight. The average American child spends about 24 hours a week watching TV or playing video games (www.athealth.com), so this factor alone could be influencing the rising rates of obesity among adolescents. Other environmental factors include portion size and food availability, which can be linked to parents or caretakers. Whether genetics or parenting is to blame, the mental and physical effects obesity has on children are tremendous. Studies show that obese adolescents have lower self- esteem, which is linked with lower educational levels, lower rates of marriage, and higher
rates of poverty (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). Feelings of rejection, shame, and depression are also common (http://tjclarkinc.com). Cultural stereotypes, such as being lazy or sloppy , further impact an overweight child’s psychosocial development (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). In order to prevent children from becoming obese, parents must step in and help. The first and foremost step in addressing a child's obesity is letting them know they are accepted no matter what. Parental fixation with a child’s weight can lead to the development of eating disorders (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu); it is important to be concerned with a child’s self- esteem. Children’s feelings about themselves are based on their parents’ perceptions; it is wise to let them know they are accepted as they are (www.athealth.com). Next, a parent should increase the family’s physical activity, by being a role model. Family activities that promote exercise while having fun will help the child develop a sense enjoyment from being healthy. Reducing the amount of TV or videogame playing allows for more time to enjoy physical activities. The main goal is not to make physical activity a burden, but an enjoyable experience (www.athealth.com). Another goal parents should have is teaching their children healthy eating habits. Some parents make the mistake of placing their child on a restrictive diet. By doing this, parents can interfere with their child’s growth and development (www.athealth.com). One common mistake made by parents is using food as a punishment or a reward. Rewarding children with sweets reinforces the belief that these foods are better or more valuable than other types of food (www.athealth.com). Withholding food can lead to a child worrying that he will not get enough food, resulting in the child over-eating when
