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.

Obesity

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among children has risen sharply over the

last

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decade in western countries.

Such

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a trend is largely the result of a tendency towards convenience in society, yet its effects may be detrimental to children’s long-term mental and physical

health

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. The prime causes of

obesity

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are unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle. In recent years, there has been a surge in the consumption of convenience foods among modern families. Busy parents with no time to cook relies on prepared meals to feed their families.

Such

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foods have little to no nutritional value which contributes to

obesity

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.

In addition

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, children these days spend inordinate amounts of time playing video games than playing outside with friends resulting in insufficient physical activity each day.

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, studies show that children in France exercise on average around 20 minutes per day as compared to 75 minutes 30 years ago. The possible effects of

obesity

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are a range of

health

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issues. Regarding physical

health

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, diseases,

such

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as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are known to be higher in overweight children than their peers. These put a child’s life in danger, and may

further

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affect mental

health

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growing up. When children are obese, they are more likely to be bullied and ostracized by classmates because they look or behave differently.

This

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has been known to cause low self-esteem and depression in many, and

thus

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shun friends in favour of time alone. In conclusion, through poor diet choice and inactivity,

obesity

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is a growing problem that can cause lasting damage to a child’s mental and physical development.

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, by addressing

this

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problem while young, much can be done to aid a child in becoming a healthy functioning adult.