Childhood Obesity Essay -- Obesity in Adolescents

Childhood ObesityIntroductionThe past some(prenominal)(prenominal) decades have seen an escalating trend in the rate of kidhood fleshiness not only in the United States where 25%-30% of children are affected, but likewise in many of the industrialized nations. Childhood obesity has continued to be a study issue in the public health veneration system. The economic cost of the medical expenses as well as the scattered income resulting from the complications of obesity both in children and adults has been estimated at almost $100 meg (Barnes, 2011). Overweight children are more predisposed to the danger of becoming grave in their adulthood unless they ensure healthier eating habits and exercise. It is worth noting that the original lifestyle in which many children spend a lot of clock time watching television as well as the consumption of syrupy and fatty foods has strongly contributed to the high prevalence of childhood obesity.Regarding the causes of childhood obesity, s everal theories of etiology including genetic, developmental, and environmental, have been proposed. Despite the prevalence of childhood obesity procession dramatically over the past 3 or 4 decades, major challenges still face the fight against the condition due to its underdiagnosis and undertreatment. It is worth noting that with narrow physical examination and evaluation of disease history, unnecessary diagnostic procedures and the take aim for expensive equipment can be avoided. Given the rising concern well-nigh childhood obesity, this paper will discuss several issues. These include the history, epidemiology, etiology, charge and prognosis onset, and how the disorder is represented in the DSM IV TR with its associated features.History of childhood obesityThe health risks associated with ob... ... and substance abuse in the DSM-IV. Therefore, some mickle have strongly suggested that childhood obesity be regarded as a food addiction which has a psychological origin and th us deserves to be fully represented in the DSM-IV TR (OBrien & Volkow, 2007).It is also vital to note that notwithstanding the increasing association between obesity and mental health, this relationship has been inconsistently confirmed in literature. For instance, researchers have established that as a child grows to yound adulthood, the prevalence of obesity and depression increases. Certain prospective studies and a significant number of cross sectional studies have alluded to the link between obesity and depression. However, a precise summary of the links between the two conditions is unprocurable in literature (Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences Management & Yagnik, 2009, p. 4).