Socio-Economic Status and Childhood Obesity

Janay Morgan

English IV-2nd Period Mrs.Jones 27 March 2014

Morgan i Outline Thesis: Based on patterns of childhood obesity in the United States, people with a lower socioeconomic status tend to have more obese children. I. Obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. A. Obesity occurs when a child has exceeded its normal weight condition for his or her age and height. B. Anyone can become obese as a child if they have the wrong eating habits. C. Many people think the higher a persons income, the more the person is at risk for childhood obesity. In addition to other health problems, there are negative effects to childhood obesity. A. A social affect can consist of a child feeling socially disconnected from their peers which can result in them being antisocial. B. Obesity can leave a person in bad physical shape, where a person can develop health problems. C. Some of these effects can just be temporary, while others are long term. Some researchers claim that socioeconomic status and obesity have a weak relationship, but there are more studies suggesting there is a relationship between the two. A. The National Survey of Children (NSCH) conducted in 2003 and 2007 provides estimates in obesity among children under the age of eighteen from different ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. B. Both surveys were random and used a digit-dial sample of households with kids from birth to the age of seventeen selected from each state. C. Researchers found there was no significance increase in obesity in socioeconomic groups other than people with low income. Even though childhood obesity has taken over the lives of many young children that does not mean it cannot be solved with a great solution. A. To overcome the problem of childhood obesity, people need to change their surroundings and educate their families about prevention programs.

II.

III.

IV.

Morgan 1 Socio-Economic Status and Childhood Obesity

The good thing about childhood obesity is that fewer kids are running away from home (Obesity Quotes). A large amount of people can see this as a humorous joke to show how obesity has taken over young kids lives. Childhood obesity has become one of the most talked about problems in America and across the globe. Obesity now affects seventeen percent of all children in the United States, up 300 percent from just one generation ago (Obesity in Children, 2013). Obesity in children affects all races and ethnic backgrounds. It is one of the easiest health problems to identify, but one of the hardest to cure. Based on patterns of childhood obesity in the United States, people with lower socioeconomic status tend to have more obese children. Causes of Obesity Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. Obesity occurs when a child has exceeded its normal weight condition for his or her age and height; some also consider the gender of the child when determining obesity. Normal body weight varies with a persons body mass index (BMI); this determines if a person has high risk for health problems such as obesity. An individual is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5, the normal BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9, a person is considered overweight between 25 to 29.9, and obese at BMI of 30 or more (Obesity in Children, 2013). Anyone can become obese as a child if they have the wrong eating habits; obesity does not distinguish between age and gender, but it tends to have a stronger affect among children from lower income households. Age and gender do not play a part in childhood obesity because there is not strong enough evidence linking them.

Morgan 2 While it is true that many people think the higher a persons income the more they should be at risk for childhood obesity, this does not account for how people with lower incomes buy food. People of higher classes have more money to buy more food, but with their income they can afford healthier foods which are prohibitively expensive to people with lower incomes. Healthy food is not cheap, but junk food and foods high in preservatives tend to be the most affordable. For example, a small container of fresh fruit can cost almost five dollars, but a large bag of chips will cost two or three dollars depending on the size. Both foods serve the purpose of satisfying hunger; however, the high-fat chips will lead to health problems down the road. Socioeconomic status can be caused by a persons ethnic background. The correlation between ethnic background and socioeconomic status as they relate to obesity risks remained the same throughout the study (National Survey of Children Health). There is a higher percent of African Americans and Hispanics that receive lower income than Whites and Asians (Singh, 2009). Effects on Obesity In addition to other health problems, there are negative effects to childhood obesity in America. Social, psychological, and physical health problems are caused by childhood obesity (Kanekar,2011). A social effect can consist of a child feeling socially disconnected from their peers which can result in them being antisocial or an outcast. Typically, when a child is an outcast, he or she can be a target for bullying. This can leave a child feeling emotionally damaged by a negative body image, which leads to low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can result

Morgan 3 in a child not liking themselves as a person; that can result in the child feeling depressed and nervous about their body and how others view them. Children are already under pressure to maintain or look a certain way. Girls are pressured to look skinny, while boys want to look buff. Children are trying to fit the image of the role models they see on television. Children figure they have to look or dress a certain way to fit in and be a part of the crowd. Obesity can leave a child in bad physical condition. It is linked to high blood pressure, type two diabetes and heart disease (Control and Prevention, 2013). When the body is physically overweight it can affect a persons lifestyle. For example, when a person is obese they must pay more to travel by plane because they must purchase an extra seat. A person can be turned around from an amusement park ride because they cannot fit. They may not be able to keep up with their friends when they are walking and talking, literally leaving them behind. These situations are not just heart breaking, but also contribute to reduced activity levels of obese people. This compounds the problem of obesity because it is a vicious cycle. In the short term, reduced activity levels lead to high risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure (Control and Prevention, 2013). There are also high risks for bone and joint problems, insomnia, and low self-esteem (Control and Prevention, 2013). The long term effects consist of remaining obese as an adult, heart disease, and risk for cancer such as breast, kidney, and colon (Control and Prevention, 2013). Environment can be blamed for why many children are obese. Todays society has been conquered by fast food restaurants. For example, every few blocks there are fast food restaurants that are quick and cheap. It is easier for a person to spend three dollars on a convenient unhealthy

Morgan 4 meal than to spend more money on a less convenient but healthier option. Healthy food generally requires more preparation time and greater cost, while fast food is much quicker on the go. Case Studies Some researchers claim that there is a weak relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity, but there are more studies suggesting there is a relationship between them. The National Survey of Children Health (NSCH) conducted a study in 2003 and 2007 to provide estimates of the changes in obesity among children under the age of eighteen from different ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. The National Survey of Children Health wanted to provide a worldwide view of childrens health and well being. Both surveys were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Health Statistics. In 2003, they surveyed 102,352 children, where 2,000 children were picked from each state; while in 2007, they surveyed 91,642 children and sampled 1,800 children from each state. Both surveys were random, where a digit-dial sample of households with kids from birth to the age of seventeen was selected from each state. One child was randomly selected from the children in each household to become the subject for the survey. The study consisted of an interview process that was conducted in many different languages such as English, Spanish, and four Asian languages. The results of the statistics show significant inverse association between household education, income and employment, and obesity or overweight prevalence in 2007 (Sin, 2009). In 2007, 16.4 percent of children in the United States were obese, and 31.6 percent were overweight from 2003-2007. Obesity prevalence increased from 10 percent for all children in

Morgan 5 the United States, but it increased by 23 to 33 percent for children in lower education, lowincome, and higher unemployment households. Researchers found there was no significance increase in socioeconomic groups other than people with low income (Social Inequalities, 2009). Solutions to Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is very concerning for our society because it is effecting the population of children in America as a whole. It is a major public health crisis both nationally and internationally (Kanekar, 2011). This issue needs to be addressed by national governments and the international community. It is important for them to understand the challenges ahead for managing this [huge] epidemic (kanekar, 2011). However, eliminating obesity will require more effort on the part of individuals, not just governments. To overcome this problem, people need to change their surroundings and educate their children and families about the problems caused by obesity, and the variety of prevention programs available. Prevention programs will be a guide to help control childhood obesity by educating the public about healthy eating habits and the effects of obesity among children. Health care professionals can give advice to parents and clients about the well being of the child. The federal and state governments can direct a salesperson to offer healthier choices, but it is up to the individual to make the healthier selections for themselves. Education in school can be the best way to deliver the information to children. Children spend more time in school than in any other singular location. If children are taught healthier habits at a younger age, they will be more likely to make better choices for themselves when they get older. Reports show that students mentored by a young are more likely to make significant

Morgan 6 changes in their lives than those mentored or otherwise influenced by older adults (Teen Mentors, 2014). Children need a good role model and support system to keep them on track. There also need to be affordable programs in schools for children to learn about obesity, and schools should promote better eating habits such as lunch and physical activity. Lunch should consist of a balanced meal with fresh fruits and vegetables that are actually appetizing. Physical activity is easier and cheaper for schools to provide and can consist of teaching a child a new sport or challenging students to build their physical strength. Schools should also have longer physical activity hours to get the children moving in school and exercising. Schools also need to properly motivate children to participate in these activities. The community should provide a clean and safe environment where the children can go outside and play on the playground. They should have bike paths and sidewalks where the children can ride their bikes. There are many resources out there for someone to learn about how to overcome and deal with childhood obesity; however, it is up to the individual to look for ways to make particular changes. Childhood obesity is considered one of the top issues in todays world. It has affected a significant amount of children and continues to increase over the years. There are other factors that can be considered as effects of obesity, but research strongly suggests that a familys socioeconomic status is a major cause of childhood obesity. If this issue is not taken seriously, it will damage the future of young obese children who do not have any knowledge of the short and long term emotional and physical conditions associated with childhood obesity. Educating children and their families about childhood obesity will make a huge difference in a turnaround for the situation, considering most people do not understand how important childhood obesity is. Many adults understand that being overweight or obese is not good for them. But not as many

Morgan 7 realize that it may be unhealthy for young children to be overweight (Warning Signs, 2010). If everyone gets on one accord for childhood obesity it can be stopped and handled in the best way. Socioeconomic does not have to be a downfall to a childs life.

Morgan 8 Work Cited

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 4 Mar. 2014 2. Karnik, Sameera, and Amar Kanekar. "Abstract." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 02 July 2005. Web. 22 Feb. 2014. Print. 3. "Obesity Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. 4. "Research and Innovation Communications." Teen Mentors Inspire Healthier Choices in Younger Children. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. 5. Singh, Gopal K., Mohammad Siahpush, and Michael D. Kogan. "Rising Social Inequalities in the US Childhood Obesity, 2003-2007." Annals of Epidemiology. N.p., 30 Sept. 2009. Web. 14 Mar. 2014. Print. 6. "The History of Obesity in Children." LIVESTRONG.ORG. LIVESTRONG.ORG, 24 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.