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???? الخميس فبراير 10, 2011 9:28 amToday, approximately 25 percent of children and teenagers are obese and the number is on the rise.
Since the1960's childhood obesity has increased by 54 percent in children ages six to eleven. In
children twelve to seventeen it has increased by 39 percent. (Silberstein, 1) Childhood obesity is so
prevalent among these age groups that it has reached epidemic proportions.One cause of childhood
obesity is genetics. Children who have parents or siblings who are overweight have an increased
risk of becoming obese themselves. Genetics accounts for approximately 25 percent to 40 percent
to childhood obesity. (Causes of Obesity, 2) Although genetics is a significant factor, diet and
lifestyle also play an important role in the increase of childhood obesity
Consumption of soft drinks has an impact on childhood obesity. According to France Ellisle from
France's Institute of Health and Medical Research, there is a direct connection between weight gain
and sugar
The average adolescent is consuming about fifteen to twenty teaspoons of sugar daily. (Scott, 2)
Along with the sugar children are eating more and more fast food. The sit down dinner has come to
an end. In most families both parents work fulltime leaving little time to prepare healthy meals.
Parents look for food that is quick, cheap and satisfies the child. The problem with fast food is that
has very little nutritious value and is often high in fat and salt content, with a good measure of
preservative thrown in
Childhood obesity can also be attributable in many cases to a poor diet and lack of activity. The
media is causing children to become more sedentary. With the saturation of non physical activities
such as video and computer games, children are spending more time in front of the television
screen or computer monitor and less time engaged in physical activities. Often while children are
playing these games they are snacking on junk food without burning any calories.
