Childhood Obesity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example Moreover, when children are not breastfed to the expected age, they develop high chances of suffering from obesity. Television and media are other major causes of obesity in children. This is because children spend much of their time watching television programs and movies, which denies them time for physical activities as well as exposing them to unhealthy eating advertisements. In addition, children end up snacking since they lack enough time to eat well (Cdc.gov, 2012). According to Emedicinehealth.com (2012), obesity can be inherited from family members. A child’s family can also influence the childs lifestyle and eating habits, leading to obesity. Childhood obesity increases the chances of developing other related diseases. There are both immediate and long-term health effects of childhood obesity. Immediate health effects include; high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, joint problems, low self-esteem and stigmatization. Furthermore, obese children are likely to become obese as adults and hence at a very high risk of developing long-term health effects like stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, they are at a high risk of several types of cancer like cancer of the pancreas, breast, ovary, and colon among others. Childhood obesity can be prevented through adequate breastfeeding in infancy and encouraging healthy lifestyles in children, including physical exercise and healthy feeding. Social institutions such as communities, families, hospitals, faith-based institutions and schools among others can facilitate this. The school as an institution particularly plays a very important role to a childs health. Through schools, children learn about healthy living in terms of dietary and behaviors on physical exercises and activities. They in turn practice what they learn with their peers as well as discussing it with their family members when at home (Cdc.gov, 2012 & Emedicinehealth.com, 2012). Evidently, childhood