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. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Obesity

among

children

has risen sharply over the

last

decade in western countries.

Such

a trend is largely the result of a tendency toward convenience in society, yet its effects may be detrimental to

children

’s long-term mental and physical fitness. The prime causes of

obesity

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 rely on prepared meals to feed their families.

Such

foods have little to no nutritional value which contributes to

obesity

.

In addition

,

children

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

For example

, studies show that

children

in France exercise on average around 20 minutes per day as compared to75 minutes 30 years ago. The possible effects of

obesity

are a range of health issues. Regarding physical health, diseases,

such

as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are known to be higher in overweight

children

than in their peers. These put a child’s life in danger, and may

further

affect mental health growing up. When

children

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

This

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

thus

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

obesity

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

However

, by addressing

this

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