Health promotion and public health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health promotion and public health - Essay Example Children are vulnerable to various health risks. In the current age of fast foods and high-sodium, high-sugar foods, these children are also vulnerable to issues which relate to obesity. In a survey of children’s BMI, it was revealed that obesity rates have almost tripled from 5% to 14% among children aged two years to five years; for children ages 6 to 11, the rates have also increased from 4% to 19%; and among adolescents, the rates have gone up from 12 to 19% (Northborough, 2008). These rates are duplicated in other parts of the globe, with increasing rates being the predominant trend. Obesity is a major threat to health, especially the health of children because it makes them vulnerable to dangers of early onset of diseases including diabetes, heart diseases, and organ failure. In effect, childhood obesity brings about major risks to the child’s general health, increasing his health, social, and financial needs (Northborough, 2008). Due to their obese conditions, th ey have a higher risk for chronic diseases during their adult years. They would likely have higher blood pressures, higher cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and early calcifications in their arteries. They would also be confronted with societal bias and stigmatization which can impact on their emotional health (Northborough, 2008). They would likely be teased, bullied and socially shunned due to their obesity. As a result, they would be more vulnerable to emotional issues including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Due to these issues, the more that they would also live a less active and less social lifestyle (Northborough, 2008). This would drive them further into a sedentary lifestyle which would increase their weight even more and increase their physical and emotional risks. This often starts off children into the cycle of emotional