Introduction
The prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide in recent decades. Obesity in the pediatric population is of particular concern because it exposes children to the somatic, mental, and social consequences of obesity. According to modern research, about 41 million children below the age of 5 are obese across the world, and the incidence of this pathology in kids between the ages of 6 and 9 in advanced societies is 18-57% (Greydanus et al., 2018, p. 99). Thus, it is essential to establish the reasons, such as environmental and lifestyle factors, for the increase in obesity rates and their consequences in developed countries.
Environmental Factors
Causes
It is important to note that childhood obesity is a severe health issue in developed countries. Specifically, the lack of access to a healthy environment in many countries exacerbates this problem. Due to urbanization in developed countries, children often lack access to safe public spaces and nutritious foods that contribute to a normal weight (Jia et al., 2021).
As evidence of this, we can refer to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These data indicate that in the United States, approximately 19% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 are obese (Weihrauch-BlĂĽher & Wiegand, 2018, p. 260). The problem is especially serious in low-income and minority neighborhoods, where there is often a shortage of access to healthy meals and safe places to be physically active.
One of the main factors in childhood obesity in developed countries is the poor access to an environment promoting a healthy lifestyle. For example, a study published in Obesity Reviews found that children living in neighborhoods with access to parks and recreational facilities were more physically active and less likely to be obese (Jia et al., 2021, p. 2). Climate change is also contributing to obesity among children in developed countries.
According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate change is causing an expansion of harsh weather conditions, such as heatwaves and flooding, which can limit opportunities for outdoor physical activity and lead to sedentary lifestyles (Philipsborn & Chan, 2018). Climate change also impacts food systems, leading to food insecurity and an increase in the consumption of processed and high-calorie foods. Thus, environmental factors have a significant impact on childhood obesity in developed countries.
Consequences
Insufficient access to health-promoting environments in many developed countries causes significant harmful effects on children, since a lack of access to safe open spaces, healthy food options, and safe transportation leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and an increased risk of obesity (Greydanus et al., 2018). Therefore, children do not have the opportunity to take daily walks in the fresh air, but instead spend their time playing computer games. Consequently, due to this lifestyle, their bodies do not get enough exercise, which leads to obesity.
Additionally, environmental factors such as good infrastructure and accessible facilities have a positive impact on children’s health. However, children living in areas with a large number of fast-food restaurants are more likely to be obese. The same applies to children’s limited access to healthy foods, which can lead to a gradual weight gain. Climate change is also exacerbating the problem of childhood obesity in developed countries (Greydanus et al., 2018). Therefore, food is often grown on specialized farms where chemicals are used to enhance its characteristics. As a result, children in developed countries consume these foods and begin to gain extra weight. Subsequently, this leads to problems with the heart and respiratory system and generally worsens the overall health of the body.
Lifestyle
Causes
Childhood obesity is a multifaceted issue, with numerous factors contributing to its development. Among them, lifestyle is one of the main reasons for childhood obesity in developed countries. One of the primary factors contributing to childhood weight gain is insufficient physical activity. Children are spending increasingly more time on computers, phones, televisions, and other electronic devices, resulting in less physical activity and more sedentary behavior (Taylor & Emmett, 2019). Additionally, children tend to spend minimal time outdoors, where they can play and become more active. Insufficient physical activity leads to a reduction in the number of calories burned by children and an increase in overweight.
Another factor is unhealthy diets, with many children in developed states consuming large amounts of fast food, sweets, and other high-calorie foods. Moreover, high-calorie foods rich in fat and sugar, such as fast food and soda, are becoming increasingly popular among children in developed countries (Taylor & Emmett, 2019). These foods contain a lot of sugar, fat, and other harmful substances, which leads to overweight and obesity.
Another critical factor is the lifestyle of parents and the environment in which children live. If parents lead a sedentary lifestyle and eat poorly, it can have a negative impact on their child (Taylor & Emmett, 2019). In addition, if children live in an environment where high-calorie food consumption and lack of physical activity are the standards, it can lead to obesity.
Furthermore, a poor diet has a negative impact on children’s weight. According to research, uncommon eating can also affect the development of childhood obesity in the short term (Taylor & Emmett, 2019). An insufficient supply of regular meals can lead to overstraining and increased consumption of high-calorie foods. Therefore, maintaining regular eating patterns and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Consequences
Unhealthy lifestyles that lead to childhood obesity can have severe consequences for children’s health and impact their physical and psychological well-being. One of the most apparent consequences of childhood obesity is a high risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases (Wuehl, 2019). Overweight kids are more likely to have high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, which increases their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
At the same time, the main reason for these diseases is the lack of physical activity in children. Childhood obesity can also have psychological consequences, such as low self-esteem, social exclusion, and discrimination. Childhood obesity is more often associated with status problems among their peers, and they may be less active and less successful in social situations. Additionally, childhood obesity can have a significant impact on the economy.
According to the World Bank, the cost of obesity and related diseases in developed countries is up to 7% of GDP (Wuehl, 2019, p. 38). This includes health care costs, lost productivity, and a poorer quality of life. Thus, poor lifestyles, characterized by a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets, can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of children and the economy as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, childhood obesity arises from a complex combination of environmental and lifestyle factors. Unhealthy diets, poor nutrition, sedentary behavior, climate change, and urbanization negatively affect both physical and mental health. The consequences are serious, encompassing low self-esteem, heart problems, and increased disease spread. Limited availability of healthy foods further contributes to children being overweight, thus compromising their overall health.
References
Greydanus, D. E., Agana, M., Kamboj, M. K., Shebrain, S., Soares, N., Eke, R., & Patel, D. R. (2018). Pediatric obesity: Current concepts. Disease-A-Month, 64(4), 98-156.
Jia, P., Cao, X., Yang, H., Dai, S., He, P., Huang, G., & Wang, Y. (2021). Green space access in the neighbourhood and childhood obesity. Obesity Reviews, 22, 1-10.
Philipsborn, R. P., & Chan, K. (2018). Climate change and global child health. Pediatrics, 141(6), 1-10.
Taylor, C. M., & Emmett, P. M. (2019). Picky eating in children: Causes and consequences. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 78(2), 161-169.
Weihrauch-BlĂĽher, S., & Wiegand, S. (2018). Risk factors and implications of childhood obesity. Current Obesity Reports, 7, 254-259.
Wuehl, E. (2019). Hypertension in childhood obesity. Acta Paediatrica, 108(1), 37-43.
