Childhood Obesity In Children

Obesity is the significant health problem in the United States affecting children and adults. It occurs when a child is above the normal weight than the required weight. It is evaluated with the help of body mass index (BMI). The cause of obesity in children is almost similar to adults which include, different behaviors such as dietary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and other unhealthy lifestyle. Childhood obesity is a significant health problem in the United States. Although there was slight decrease in the rate of prevalence among preschool-aged children, obesity among children is still high (Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014). The rate of prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has remained fairly stable at about 17%(Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014). It …show more content…
There was significant decrease in the rate of prevalence of obesity from 13.9% in 2003-2004 to 8.4% in 2011-2012 in children aged 2 to 5 years (Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014). In 2011-2012, Hispanic (22.4%) and non- Hispanic black (20.2%) children and adolescents reported higher prevalence than non-Hispanic white (14.1%)(Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014). Non-Hispanic Asian youth was found to be low on prevalence as compared to non-Hispanic-white, non-Hispanic black or Hispanic (Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014). Several factors such as racial/ethnic groups, age, sex, income of an adult and education plays an important role in determining the rate of prevalence of obesity (Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014). According to center for disease and prevention (CDC), rate of obesity prevalence was found more in children whose adult head of house did not complete high school when compared to the adult head who completed high school. It resulted as 9% vs 19% among girls and 11% vs 21% among boys in 1999–2010 (Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal,