Childhood Obesity: A Modern Day Plague

By Denver Kirema
 Acknowledgement Page

The reason for writing this paper is to figure out what causes childhood obesity. This paper

involves children of obese nature and suggests that childhood obesity is not caused by one

factor but a multitude of factors, some that span across a couple of generations. The paper

will also cover why childhood obesity is on the rise using various sources such as a plethora

of websites and other online sources. The audience for this paper is children, parents and the

general public. Childhood obesity mostly affects children but also the parents as well. This

paper is beneficial due to its revealing nature of how horrendous childhood obesity is.
 Outline Page

I. Fast food:
A. Rise of fast food
B. Ease of access
C. Health benefits & downsides of fast food

II. Video Games:

A. Rise of video games
B. Popularity and engagement of video games
C. Hours spent by children online

III. Physical Education in Schools:

A. When was Physical Education introduced
B. Average school day time globally
C. Average Physical Education class time
Introduction:

Childhood obesity has become a pressing concern worldwide, with its prevalence steadily

increasing over the past few decades. This concerning trend not only poses immediate health

risks to children but also significantly impacts their long-term well-being. In this informative

research paper, we delve into the multifaceted factors contributing to childhood obesity,

exploring the roles of fast food consumption, sedentary behaviours like excessive video

gaming, and the influence of genetics. By examining these interrelated aspects, we aim to

provide a comprehensive understanding of childhood obesity and its implications for public

health interventions and individual health management.

Fast Food:

Fast food has grown immensely popular, and with its spike in popularity comes its ever

growing contribution to childhood obesity.In America the country we have chosen as the

focus for this paper fast food as we commonly know in the modern age has been around since

the 1950’s as per the Smithsonian Magazine. (Magazine, A crispy, salty, American history of

Fast Food 2019).

Ever since the opening of the first fast food chain in America, the fast food industry has

been growing ever since. As of 2022 the fast food market in America has grown to an

astonishing $300 billion dollar market. (20+ fascinating us fast food industry statistics

[2023]: Revenue, trends, and predictions 2023). With the growth of the fast food industry,

accessibility to the product has become easier than ever, due to the rise of popular apps such

as Uber Eats and DoorDash that specialise in fast food delivery straight to the door.
 But is all of this growth good? Is fast food healthy in the first place? As per studies

conducted by the Australian government, it's evident that fast food has multiple health

hazards both long and short term. Fast food as stated in their research has led to eating

disorders as well as cases of overweight individuals and cases of obesity. This is due to the

composition of such foods. Said food is high in calories, trans fats and sugars. All of these

being key players in causing childhood obesity. (Junk food and your health. healthdirect.

(2023, August 15).

With the combination of all these factors at play and with the addition of fast food being

immensely popular amongst the younger generation. (National Center for Biotechnology

Information. (2020). Childhood Obesity: Causes and Consequences. Pediatric

Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, 23(1), 1-12). Fast food has risen to become an

extremely notorious contributor to childhood obesity.

Video Games

The proliferation of video games in modern society has significantly contributed to the rise of

childhood obesity, presenting a multifaceted challenge in public health. With technological

advancements and widespread accessibility, video games have become increasingly prevalent

in the lives of children and adolescents. This surge in popularity can be attributed to various

factors, including the development of highly engaging and visually captivating gaming

content, the expansion of online gaming communities, and the accessibility of gaming devices

across multiple platforms. These factors combine to create an environment where children are

drawn to spend increasing amounts of time immersed in virtual worlds, often at the expense

of physical activity.

Research has shown that the allure of video games lies in their immersive and interactive

nature, captivating players for extended periods. The interactive nature of video games

provides a sense of agency and accomplishment, which can be particularly appealing to

children seeking stimulation and entertainment. Moreover, the constant stream of rewards and

feedback embedded within many games reinforces engagement and encourages prolonged

play sessions. As a result, children may spend significant amounts of time seated in front of

screens, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that is conducive to weight gain and obesity.

(Anderson, C. A., et al. (2017). Screen time and physical activity during adolescence:

Longitudinal effects on obesity in young adulthood. International Journal of

Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1), 63)

 According to recent studies, the average child spends a substantial amount of time engaged in

gaming activities, with some estimates suggesting up to 2 hours or more per day dedicated to

gaming devices. This sedentary behaviour, coupled with the often unhealthy snack

consumption associated with prolonged gaming sessions, has been linked to weight gain and

obesity in children. Research has also highlighted the association between excessive screen

time and reduced physical activity levels, further exacerbating the risk of obesity-related

health issues in children. (Arendt, M., et al. (2019). Obesity and Video Gaming:

Lifestyle Choice or Homeostatic Imbalance? Medical Sciences (Basel), 7(8), 89).

As video games continue to evolve and integrate with various aspects of daily life,

understanding their impact on childhood obesity becomes increasingly crucial for public

health interventions and educational initiatives. By recognizing the role of video games in

shaping children's behaviours and lifestyles, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and

educators can develop targeted strategies to promote healthy habits and mitigate the risk of

obesity-related health complications in the younger generation.

Genetics:

Genetics play a significant role in determining an individual's susceptibility to

childhood obesity, often influencing metabolic processes and predispositions to

certain dietary patterns. Children born to parents with a genetic predisposition to

obesity may face challenges in meeting dietary requirements due to inherited

metabolic traits or familial eating habits. For instance, genetic variations related to

appetite regulation, metabolism, and fat storage can affect how efficiently a child

processes and utilizes nutrients, potentially leading to imbalances that contribute to

weight gain (Bouchard, C. (2009). Genetic determinants of obesity. In *Obesity

Epidemiology: From Aetiology to Public Health* (pp. 127-143). Oxford University

Press.). Additionally, familial eating patterns and food preferences established within

the household environment can influence a child's dietary choices, further

exacerbating the risk of obesity if these habits are not conducive to maintaining a

healthy weight.

Certain genetic conditions can also increase a child's likelihood of developing obesity.

For example, individuals with genetic syndromes such as Prader-Willi syndrome or

Bardet-Biedl syndrome often exhibit characteristics such as excessive appetite,

reduced satiety, and metabolic abnormalities that predispose them to obesity from a

young age (Goldstone, A. P., Holland, A. J., & Hauffa, B. P. (2012). Endocrine

aspects of obesity. In *Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence* (pp. 111-134).

Springer.). Furthermore, inherited metabolic disorders like leptin deficiency or leptin

receptor mutations disrupt the body's ability to regulate energy balance, leading to

increased fat accumulation and obesity (Farooqi, I. S., & O'Rahilly, S. (2008). Genetic

syndromes of severe obesity. In Obesity Epidemiology: From Aetiology to Public

Health (pp. 127-143). Oxford University Press.). These genetic factors underscore the

complex interplay between biology and environment in shaping childhood obesity

risk and highlight the importance of early intervention and personalized healthcare

approaches in managing obesity-related conditions in children.

In addition to genetic predispositions, the interaction between genetics and

environmental factors further influences childhood obesity risk. While genetics may

contribute to a child's susceptibility to obesity, environmental influences such as diet,

physical activity, and socioeconomic status can modulate these genetic effects

(Maes,H., Neale, M. C., & Eaves, L. J. (2007). Genetic and environmental factors in
 relative body weight and human adiposity. Behavior Genetics, 27(4), 325-351) . For

instance, children with a genetic predisposition to obesity may be more susceptible to

weight gain in environments characterized by high-calorie food availability, limited

access to nutritious foods, and sedentary behaviors. Conversely, a supportive

environment that promotes healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and

positive lifestyle choices can mitigate the genetic risk of obesity and promote optimal

growth and development in children (Bray, 2004). Understanding the complex

interplay between genetics and environment is essential for developing targeted

interventions and public health strategies aimed at preventing and managing

childhood obesity effectively.

Conclusion;

In summary, childhood obesity is a complex issue influenced by various factors

including fast food consumption, sedentary behaviors like excessive video gaming,

and genetic predispositions. Fast food's accessibility and unhealthy composition

contribute significantly to obesity rates, while the immersive nature of video games

promotes sedentary lifestyles. Genetic factors also play a role, influencing a child's

susceptibility to obesity. Recognizing these interconnected factors is crucial for

developing effective interventions to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier

lifestyles among children.

Bibliography
● (Magazine, A crispy, salty, American history of Fast Food 2019).

● (20+ fascinating us fast food industry statistics [2023]: Revenue, trends, and

predictions 2023)

● (Junk food and your health. healthdirect. (2023, August 15).

● (National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Childhood Obesity: Causes

and Consequences. Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, 23(1), 1-12)

● .(Anderson, C. A., et al. (2017). Screen time and physical activity during adolescence:

Longitudinal effects on obesity in young adulthood. International Journal of

Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1), 63)

● (Arendt, M., et al. (2019). Obesity and Video Gaming: Lifestyle Choice or

Homeostatic Imbalance? Medical Sciences (Basel), 7(8), 89)

● Goldstone, A. P., Holland, A. J., & Hauffa, B. P. (2012). Endocrine aspects of

obesity. In *Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence* (pp. 111-134). Springer.

● Farooqi, I. S., & O'Rahilly, S. (2008). Genetic syndromes of severe obesity. In

Obesity Epidemiology: From Aetiology to Public Health (pp. 127-143). Oxford

University Press.

● Maes, H. H., Neale, M. C., & Eaves, L. J. (2007). Genetic and environmental factors

in relative body weight and human adiposity. Behavior Genetics, 27(4), 325-351

● (Bray, 2004).