Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Fall 11-15-2021
Abstract
Obesity in America is an epidemic, with a total of 42.4% of adults having a BMI over 30.0. In Healthy People 2030, America set the goal of decreasing childhood and adolescent obesity from 17.8% of our population to 15.5%. Obesity is directly related to a higher risk of developing hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, asthma, anxiety, and depression. Through our literature review, we created the question 'During the ages of 2 to 18, are children and adolescents who have obese parents at an increased risk for obesity and related health diseases in comparison with children and adolescents who do not have obese parents?' Through an analysis of current research journals, we discovered that parental obesity is the leading indicator of obesity in children and adolescents, with nearly 89% of offspring being overweight or obese. Along with parental obesity, additional common factors are low socioeconomic status, minimal education, difficult access to fresh food, and specific demographic characteristics such as being African American or Latino American. Public school systems that utilize free and reduced lunches, offer at least 5 fruit and vegetable options a day, and have nutrition and exercise classes see a significant reduction in the rates of childhood and adolescent obesity. Keywords: obesity, overweight, children and adolescents, health promotion, America
Recommended Citation
Seward, Seth and Eckert, Kaylee, "The Influence of Parental Obesity on Children and Adolescents" (2021). Fall Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry. 131.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rci_fall/131
Comments
NURS 360