The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.

The increased prevalence of obesity in children over the past decade has given rise to several problems in the western society.

This

essay will examine the main reasons behind

this

trend

and the consequences of childhood obesity on the mental and physical

health

of the young generation. One of the major factors responsible for the rising numbers of overweight children in the west is the faulty dietary habits.

This

is because the parents nowadays have busier schedules and have less time for cooking, often resorting to

readymade

made for purchase and immediate use

ready-made

foods, which are not as nutritious as freshly prepared meals.

As a result

, junk foods like burgers, pizzas and aerated drinks, which are readily available as well as affordable, have become more popular. These foods are often very high in carbohydrates and fats, leading to excessive weight gain. Another contributing factor

for

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in

this

trend

is more sedentary lifestyle. Earlier children used to spend more time playing outdoors,

however

, over the past decade,

this

trend

has changed and kids nowadays often spend more time in indoor activities like video games and internet.

Thus

reduced physical activity has contributed to the rise in childhood obesity. Being overweight has numerous detrimental effects on physical and mental

health

of children. There is

higher risk

Suggestion

a higher risk

of developing chronic

health

problems like diabetes mellitus and hypertension at

earlier age

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an earlier age

earlier ages

. In fact, statistics have shown an upward

trend

in the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in young

adults which

Accept comma addition

adults, which

was earlier known to have its onset in later years of life. Obesity negatively affects the mental

wellbeing

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well being

, especially in adolescent years.

This

is because being overweight can lead to negative self-image, low self-esteem and

therefore

, loss of confidence in children.

Furthermore

, there are increased chances of being bullied and social isolation at school, sometimes leading to depression in early years. In conclusion, the alarming

trend

of increase in overweight children over the past 10 years is mainly due to poor eating habits and lack of physical activity.

This

can lead to serious long term adverse consequences to the overall

health

of our young generation and

thus

, it needs to be addressed on an urgent basis.