The Role of the Media in the Childhood Obesity Research Paper

The Role of the Media in the Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example Obesity has now become a worldwide issue due to its increasing rise and the risks that it poses. It is a very common condition in the United States with two third of the population of United States suffering either from obesity or increased weight and approximately one-third of the population being obese according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Weight Control and Information Network 2010). In the UK, the Health Survey for England in the year 2008 presented that 24.5% people above the age of 15 were suffering from obesity. The same survey showed that the rate of obesity between the ages of 2 and 10 years was 13.9% (Department of Health 2009). It has been estimated in the United States of America that the rate of obesity in children has increased more than thrice in the past three decades (Laing 2010). Obesity in America is a growing epidemic. Childhood obesity in America has become such an important issue that it has been addressed by the first family in effo rts to combat obesity in America. With rising attention from important figures, it is the media’s turn now to draw the line and aid the youth in America by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and a clear representation of healthy people. Obesity carries with it a potential risk for the development of other disease states. It can lead to cardiovascular diseases which include hypertension, coronary heart diseases, and stroke. It increases the risk of certain cancers which include breast, colon and prostate cancers. It can lead to insulin resistance within the cells hence leading to diabetes mellitus. And it also affects the musculoskeletal system of a person by increasing the risk of osteoarthritis due to the increased weight burden on the joints. The respiratory system can also be affected with a person having difficulty in breathing while sleeping. An obese individual is also prone to develop metabolic syndrome.