A 6 page research paper/ argumentative essay that examines the topic of childhood and adolescent obesity in the U.S. The writer examines the parameters of the problem, defines it, discusses epidemiological factors and argues that more research should be conducted in order to discern what interventions work and which do not work in preventing and alleviating this serious public health problem. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_khfatch.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
infected to HIV/AIDS through early sexual activity. While these risks are definitively serious, this health risk is much more prevalent. It is obesity. Americas children and teens are sedentary, spending
as much as six hours a day simply sitting, either in school or in front of a television or computer screen. This behavior is complicated by the fact that the
American diet is--in general--atrocious, as it is overly laden with fat, salt, and non-nutritive calories. American youth is overfed but under-nourished. This is a epidemic of monumental proportions that seriously
threatens the health and well being of the next generation. The following examination of this topic examines the parameters of the problem, defines it, discusses epidemiological factors and argues that
more research should be conducted in order to discern what interventions work and which do not work in preventing and alleviating this serious public health problem. The problem of
obesity in children and adolescents Experts estimate that obesity in the U.S. affects roughly 20 to 30 percent of children and adolescents and is increasing at rate that is alarming
(Jerum and Melnyk, 2001). This trend is especially worrisome when healthcare practitioners consider the huge negative impact that obesity has on both physical and emotional health. Obesity related morbidity includes
"hyperlipidemia, hypertension, blood glucose disturbances, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma," while emotional effects include "poor self-esteem, depression (and) anxiety" (Jerum and Melnyk, 2001, p. 606). Research has shown
that children who are overweight and/or obese typically suffer from discrimination (Jerum and Melnyk, 2001). Typically, adolescents tend to have problems with self-esteem and self-image. This can escalate for the
obese teen, developing into depression (Someshwar, Someshwar and Perkins, 2006). This negative effect of obesity can acerbate the situation leading to further weight gain and eating disorders (Someshwar, Someshwar and