A Hidden Epidemic

  

The Issue              

When someone say an "epidemic" you may think of a disease like the Black Death, malaria, or even AIDS. Well, there is an epidemic that is so hidden and subtle that not many are aware of and it concerns your children very much... indeed, it is childhood obesity. 

Here are some simple statistics:

• In 1984, there were 7% of children aged 6-11 and 5% of children aged 12-19 who were obese.
• In  2012, the percentage grew to 12% of aged 6-11 and 21% of aged 12-19. That is 31.7% of children and teen that are obesed.
• The percentage is still continuing to grow as you read this blog.
• Childhood obesity rate has tripled for the past three decades.
• There are now more than one-third of children and adolescents who are overweight.

     Obesity is not just an adult issue, children are now part of this epidemic!

Why is it hidden?  

     Although childhood obesity seems like a common issue among our society today, it is not seen as a pressing issue for most parents. Many parents often perceive their children's weight as normal or simply regard them as baby fat, which are ought to wear off as children get older. A study shows that 40% of parents are unconcerned about the weight of their obese children, and similarly about 80% of parents are unconcerned about the weight of their overweight children. 
     Even when parents do know about the weight issue in their children, they are not likely to talk to others about it because of the fear of fat-shaming, and the acquired guilty feelings of being "fat".  The unawareness and the inability to talk about it cause this epidemic of childhood obesity affecting more and more children.                                                           
                                                             

Health Issues

Now onto why childhood obesity is such a bad thing...

     

Obesity in children can cause many health issues such as:

1. Type 2 diabetes
2. High blood pressure
3. Sleep Apnea
4. Chronic heart disease
5. Asthma
6. Kidney problems
7. Liver problems
   and many more...

     Unfortunately, we live in a world where people do judge others by their appearance, children who appear to be overweight might be made fun of, discriminated, stigmatized by other kids. So not only will your overweight children suffer all those health issues listed above, they may also potentially suffer:

1. Depression
2. Eating disorders
3. Behavior and learning problems
4. Poor body images
5. Low self-esteem
   and again many more...

     So now you may see why childhood obesity is considered to be an epidemic. Even more so why this can be so problematic to your children! It is parent's responsibility for your children and yourselves to be aware of this issue as a first step to prevent and control your children's weight!






References:

1. CDC. Center of Disease and Control Prevention.
2. Obeisity Society
3. Science Direct
4. Parental Concerns on Childhood obesity