Childhood obesity has more than tripled in American
adolescents in the past decade. Nearly 32% of American children are overweight
or obese.
Biological Determinants
Biological determinants refer to a person’s physical,
anatomic, or medical reasons a problem should occur. For childhood obesity, a
lot of times it is hereditary in the child’s genes. Children whose parents are
overweight or obese are at higher risk for becoming obese themselves. “A study
in the Journal of Pediatrics, for instance, found five independent risk factors
for childhood overweight. The main risk factor was parental weight.” (Yale,
2013) Nearly 80% of obese 10- to 14-year-olds with an obese parent will be
obese as adults.
Social and Cultural Determinants
The American Heart Association estimates that one out of
every three American children between the ages of 2 and 19 is obese. Some
cultural challenges related to childhood obesity are the poor and ethnic. “For
example, ethnic minorities often find women with fuller figures more attractive
than thin women. In some cultures girls are not encouraged to exercise as much
as boys. Girls receive the message that a fuller figure is a sign of good
eating and good health. Recommended diets for obese children seldom include
traditional foods that ethnic minorities like and eat on a regular basis.”
(Margolis, 2013) Some cultural statistics include:
31.9% of all white male children are obese.
29.5% of all white female children are obese.
30.8% African-American male children are obese.
39.2% African-American female children are obese.
40.8% Mexican-American male children are obese.
35.0% Mexican-American female children are obese.
(Margolis 2013)
Besides cultural determinants, there are also social
determinants including socioeconomic status and peer influences. Children who
are raised in a lower social class are more likely to eat improperly than a
child who has money to spend on healthier choices. Also, if a child hangs
around other kids who eat poorly, the poor eating habits will influence the
child leading to obesity.
Environmental Determinants
Family in the home environment can influence the behaviors
of children and teens associated to calorie consumption and physical activity.
Parents are role models for their children who are likely to develop habits
similar to their parents. Habits, and beliefs about food selection and how to
spend family leisure time are significant factors to make a healthy
relationship with food. Some research also shows that extensive viewing of
television can cause obesity in children.
Even in schools, kids are being served food that is not
healthy and nutritious as even an option. “Students have access to sugar drinks
and less healthy foods at school throughout the day from vending machines and
school canteens and at fundraising events, school parties, and sporting events.”
(CDC, 2012) Advertisements also play a role because the technology era has
truly taken over this generations lives and advertisements have become a social
norm. “Nearly half of U.S. middle and high schools allow advertising of less
healthy foods, which impacts students' ability to make healthy food choices. In
addition, foods high in total calories, sugars, salt, and fat, and low in
nutrients are highly advertised and marketed through media targeted to children
and adolescents, while advertising for healthier foods is almost nonexistent in
comparison.” (CDC, 2012)
Economic Determinants
Economic determinants refer to issues with money on
individual or community level. Lower income families already have a hard time
making it by, but worrying about healthy foods for their kids is just the
cherry on top for them. For poor families living in cities, it’s very hard to
find a local grocery store because there are so many corner carry-outs and convenience
stores that just serve greasy and fried foods.
Work Cited:
Yale medical group. (2013). Retrieved from
Margolis, R. (2011). Cultural factors of obesity in
children. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/357840-cultural-factors-of-obesity-in-children/
CDC. (2012, April 27). Centers for disease control and
prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/problem.html
Anderson, P., Butcher, K., & Levine, P. (2011). Economic
perspectives on childhood obesity.
Retrieved from
Laura -
ReplyDeleteI liked how you sectioned off the determinants based on category, they are clear and easy to follow in that manner. You did a good job in supporting your statement that certain diets followed by different cultures result in obesity with the percentages you listed. For environmental factors, did you think about how the media, in terms of persuasiveness on television not just watching it, may come into play nowadays? Since many obese children likely watch television and with the fast food propaganda, that may be something that affects them as well.
Good job!
Yarelix Estrada
Laura,
ReplyDeleteNice work this week. You have stated your problem definition, then noted several categories of determinants. You identified several sources of information. Some I think are better than others in terms of the scientific literature. I would really like to see you pull some peer-reviewed journal articles about childhood obesity for this paper. Maybe I can help you with this Thursday before class? Also, there are a few places where citations are missing. Perhaps we can go over this together too.
Overall, good job - keep searching for information, and let's get together this week.
Erin