User:Nicola undwa/sandbox

Obesity in Adolescence Obesity is a disease that is dominating the worlds population. This issue has many causes, some that are self in-forced and some that are not. The effects that arise can become life threatening to the individual, these effect are not only physical but also can be metal and psychological. Although this is an epidemic that can spiral out of control, with the correct guidance and support, there are ways to control and often solve this problem. The treatment involves hard work and determination, although it is able to resolve this disease.

What is Obesity? Obesity is a major issue that is seen all over the globe, this is not only effecting adults and mature aged individuals, but also children and adolescence it is also not only is well developed and civilised areas of the world that this issue is occurring, it is happening in places that are developing over time. Obesity is a condition in which a level of excess fat has accumulated to an amount that is detrimental to an individual’s health. This issue is not simply due to just over eating, it has been verified as not only an environmental but also a genetically formed disease. Obesity is to be closely linked to a rise in adipose tissue; these tissues having an advanced effect when within the abdominal cavity are excess fat cells. This can also be linked to there being major infiltration of monocytes or macrophages. As this issue is taking the world by storm with a mass percentage of the worlds population being considered obese. Obesity was formally recognised by the World Health Organisation, to be the most serious health issue facing the world.

Causes We all live within an obesogenic environment. This is a severely unbalanced place in which calorie intake is much greater than the average energy use of an individual. The imbalance that creates this world is due to the readily available foods and drinks that are high in sugar and fats. When this is combined with the increasingly non-active lifestyles of a majority of humans, obesity becomes an issue that is faced by many. A majority of foods and drinks that are sold in everyday grocery stores are high in fat and are processed foods. The decreasing amount of energy used by people is partly because of the lower amount of physical exercise done; this can be closely related to an excessive amount of time spent doing sedentary practices (television / video games). The causes are not only due to consumption of food and drinks, and a lack of physical exercise; it can also be, genetically, physiological, environmental, social, economical and even political.

Effects There are many consequences that arise in obesity. These consequences are not always physical but can also be social-emotional, and psychological. The early physical effects of obesity in adolescence include, almost all of the child’s organs being affected, gallstones, hepatitis, sleep apnoea and increased intracranial pressure. Not only is the child’s physical body being harmed but their mental health can become destroyed as well. Obese children are often be targeted for discrimination, victimisation and bullying from their fellow adolescence. This behaviour can be seen as torture towards the individual and can major effects on their self- confidence, self-esteem but also what they see as their self worth. The constant attacks whether physically or vocally can scar the child and can major effects on their later life. The child could be subjected to depression, anxiety and many other mental issues. These issues can follow them into adult hood, as well as other problems that arise for obese adults such as; Neurological, orthopaedic, pulmonary, Gastroenterological issues within the body.

Treatment The natural treatment of obesity is not a quick fix. There are still ways to reduce your level of obesity and even cure it, that’s do not involve any major surgeries or operations. As a result of eating fatty foods and sugary drinks end in overweight and obese individuals, this must be dramatically reduced and natural foods and drinks such as, vegetables, fruits and water must, be introduced. Not only will the individuals diet change but also their level of physical activity must increase. By walking or riding a bike somewhere instead of using motorised transport or watching television, will reduce the amount of sedentary activity that is done. The individual must make realistic goals for themselves so that they have something to work towards. These goals will work towards their ideal weight in small and achievable increments. It is important that the child is not alone in this process. The family and close community can be they’re as support and encouragement guides. This could involve; family physical activities (bike riding) or just simply that the whole family enjoys the same food and drink diet. These will mean that the child is still involved in the everyday family lifestyle and will help to stay positive in working towards their goals.