Obesity which has today become a major health problem globally is as a result of abnormal and accumulated excessive fats in the human body. Consequently it has become a global problem and a major risk factor for many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer to name a few.
There are many causes attributed to obesity which mostly focus on lifestyle in general today in our changing world. Consumption of fast foods that contain high levels of fats and calories is seen to be a major cause of obesity affecting children as young as 5 years and adults. Eating habits have contributed the most with many children and young adults consuming lots of junk foods and sugars. Looking at the general view of the causes of obesity in family setups, certain factors have contributed immensely to it. Technology is seen to be a key and common factor visibly seen with all the lifestyle changes in todays world. Time saving products have eased peoples lives in a great way. For instance computers, cars, smart budgets have reduced by a big margin huge amounts of energy that is used daily by masses of people across the world.
Our modern society in the family setup has changed immensely and is adapting to the changing world. Mothers for instance due to the nature of their jobs, changes in the employment patterns and family structure, have been left with little time to play their roles effectively. For instance among single mothers, there is a big percent employed and supporting their families without the assistance of a spouse. Collectively this lifestyle impacts greatly on the children who need their mothers most in growing, and since the time the mothers spend with their children is less, it then reflects significantly on the minimal follow up on the children’s eating habits. In addition, due to the nature of the their jobs, most single mothers opt to leave their child care schools that consist of mealtime care. With these routines it is hence intricate for a parent to follow up on their child’s diet in the childrencare schools which would mostly consist of junk food due to its availability and cost.
Family structure and changes in employment patterns have left especially women with very little time to dedicate to their families. This reflects greatly on the lifestyles of the family as the children are routinely left with no choice but to be fed by other persons other than a parent. Collectively this trend would suggest that children today are spending less time having their meals at the family table and as a routine exposes them to energy dense foods than in the preceding generations.
There are many harmful effects associated with obesity from the above findings. This is seen to impact most on peoples health reaching epidemic proportions mostly in the developed countries. Increased acute and chronic health problems has resulted. Heart diseases which results from increases in cholesterol in blood. Which is lampooned due to hardening of the arteries has affected countless individuals with obesity in both adults and small children. Persistence of obesity for many years has gradually seen to be contributing to sudden deaths and even exposure to heart diseases. There is also a strong relationship between obesity and diabetes, where obesity is seen to avert insulin produced by the body. High blood pressure has resulted causing thickening of blood vessel, putting immese pressure on the body especially in joints, bones, ankles and lower back. Other chronic diseases have resulted such as gallstones, back and joint troubles and diabetes. Infertility in women is also lampant due to excess weight reducing ovulation and also significantly lowering the body’s reaction to fertility treatment.
Persons with obesity are seen to have psychological problems caused by low self esteem and their chances of even surferring more physically and psychologically is greater as they feel very depressed of their huge bodies.
Bibliography
CASSELL, D. K., & GLEAVES, D. H. (2006). The encyclopedia of obesity and eating disorders. New York, Facts on File. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=282933.
GREAT BRITAIN. (2005). The government's public health white paper (Cm 6374): minutes of evidence. London, Stationdery Office.
BENDICH, A., & DECKELBAUM, R. J. (2010). Preventive nutrition: the comprehensive guide for health professionals. New York, Humana Press.
JELALIAN, E., & STEELE, R. G. (2008). Handbook of childhood and adolescent obesity. New York, NY, Springer.
