Answer to Question #297234 in English for June

Question

Nelson, one of the children in your class, does not look healthy. His stomach looks bloated, and his skin looks dry and scaly. Apart from often falling sick and skipping school, Nelson also seems to be tired most of the time, and his teeth are decayed. On following up on Nelson’s family background, you discover that he comes from a poor family and that his parents are unemployed. 

1. Obesity in children is becoming a health problem. Discuss three major causes of obesity in children and suggest ways of dealing with them ( 10 marks)

Answer 1

In children, obesity is becoming a very common thing in the recent past. It is majorly caused by;

1) Diet. Regularly eating high-calorie foods, such as fast foods, baked goods, and vending machine snacks can cause your child to gain weight. Candy and desserts also can cause weight gain, and more and more evidence points to sugary drinks, including fruit juices and sports drinks, as culprits in obesity in some people.

2) Lack of exercise. Children who don't exercise much are more likely to gain weight because they don't burn as many calories. Too much time spent in sedentary activities, such as watching television or playing video games, also contributes to the problem. TV shows also often feature ads for unhealthy foods.

3) Family factors. If your child comes from a family of overweight people, he or she may be more likely to put on weight. This is especially true in an environment where high-calorie foods are always available and physical activity isn't encouraged.

4) Psychological factors. Personal, parental and family stress can increase a child's risk of obesity. Some children overeat to cope with problems or to deal with emotions, such as stress, or to fight boredom. Their parents might have similar tendencies.