Name: Jane Nguyen.

CAUSE AND EFFECT OF CHILD OBESITY

In recent years, obesity has become a notably increasing problem in children and youths.

Overweight is a condition which occurs when the weight of an individual is not

proportionate to his ago and height. This condition is observed in many people today.

Overeating can lead to obesity among growing children.

The causes of obesity are variable and complex. Some of the common causes of obesity

in children and adolescents are poor eating habits, lack of exercise, overeating, low self

esteem, depression, emotional problems and stressful life events such as divorce or death

of beloved one. The cause for putting on extra weight at a very young age is the modern-

day lifestyle. In this fast life, people do not have the time to prepare healthy foods or even

exercise. Fast food has replaced the healthy diet and the absence of physical has just

added to the misery. Children, today, prefer pizzas and burgers over salads and fruits.

These junk foods can lead to weight gain. Extra rest is very harmful as it leads to weight

gain and eventually to obesity. Eating habits and lifestyle are remarkably changed, which

have caused this problem.

The effects of this have been and will continue to be very serious. Firstly, there has been

a large increase in health related diseases amongst children, especially diabetes. This
debilitating illness means a child has to be injected with insulin for the rest of their life.

Not only this, very overweight children often experience bullying from other children,

which may affect their mental health. The negative stigma of being overweight may also

affect self-esteem.

To sum up, it is evident that there are several causes of obesity amongst children, and a

variety of negative effects. Society must ensure steps are taken to prevent this problem

from deteriorating further.