1. Childhood Obesity: Effects and Preventions
According to the World Health Organization, or the WHO, childhood obesity has become one of the
primary health concerns in the 21st
century. An overweight or obese conditionis caused by a caloric
imbalance which can be affected by various factors that can be behavioral, environmental, or genetic. It
can lead to serious health risks due to the excess fats stored in the body.
Facts on Childhood Obesity
Over the last decade, the number of children suffering from obesity and its negative effects have
exponentially increased. The following facts present the current state of the issue:
 Childhood obesity is now a global problem affecting more than 42 million children ages 5 and
below as of 2010.
 In the United States, only 7% of the children ages 6 to 11 were obese in 1980, but greatly
increased to 18% in 2012.
 For adolescents aged 12 to 19, only 5% were obese in 1980, but 21% are obese in 2012.
Health Effects of Childhood Obesity
Cardiovascular System
Obesity in children can cause serious health issues, both short-term and long-term. The cardiovascular
system is the first to be affected by obesity. The risks are immediately raised for diseases involving high
blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Diabetes
Children who are overweight or obese are also likely to develop diabetes, which in return can cause
many serious health ramifications. Blissful Wellness Medical weight loss centers in Jacksonville, FL are
available to help children with obesity problems and pre-diabetes to make the lifestyle changes needed
to try and reverse the condition.
Bone and Joint Problems
Bone problems and joint diseases are most likely to develop when a child is overweight and obese.
Social Problems
Aside from the health issues, obesity in children can also cause problems psychologically and socially.
Some kids, who are obese, tend to have low self-esteem and suffer from stigmatization.
Cancer
The most serious effects of childhood obesity are the long-term health problems like cancer. Obese
children are more at risk for several types of cancer including colon, kidney, thyroid, and breast cancer.
Overweight and obese children are also more prone to Hodgkin’s lymphoma disease.
Preventing and Addressing Obesity in Children

2. Preventing obesity in children is crucial to a future generation of healthy individuals. Many studies have
shown obese children, who have been obese since they were 2 years old, have a higher risk of becoming
obese as adults. Blissful Wellness Medical weight loss centers in Jacksonville, FLprovide solutions and
programs in order to help parents get kids to their healthy and balanced weight.
Aside from medical programs fl, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is also vital in preventing and
fighting obesity. Most doctor weight loss programs involve the changing of lifestyle habits for children. A
healthier lifestyle habit must be imposed which includes a diet plan for the child and structured physical
activities. Talking with a child about being overweight can be a sensitive subject and must be
approached carefully. As all kids love to have fun, the healthy lifestyle changes should be creative and
enjoyable. Introduce whole natural foods that are also delicious, like fruits and vegetables. Also look for
fun activities that the child enjoys. With these positive changes, children can gradually reach a healthy
balanced weight, while building good habits for the rest of their life. For more information please visit:
http://www.getskinnyjax.com/weight-loss-programs