Obesity #1 Children's Health Problem

Obesity was the new winner as the biggest problem facing children in the 2008 National poll on children's health done annually by the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital. They interview adults (with and without children) about their view of the top ten childhood health issues and obesity rated #1 compared to last year when the issue was #3 on the list.nnThis poll helps to illustrate the growing public awareness of the tremendous impact childhood overweight and obesity has on children's lives, and I would like to suggest that it is likely to be strongly linked to the other big health problems on the list. The next three big problems on the list are: substance abuse, smoking, and bullying. Two similarities all these health concerns share are 1) the likelihood of long-term negative effect on quality of life and 2) peer environment and behavior strongly influence how well children cope with the emotional aspects of these issues.nnWhy I believe childhood obesity is most likely strongly linked with most of the other big problems on the list because children who stand outside the "norm" in any way, including those with weight issues, are often more targeted and vulnerable to bullying and negative influences. If children feel isolated or different, then their self-esteem and positive peer support are low and the choice of escaping through high risk behaviors becomes more likely.nnI would like to see more research and exploration into the relationship between obesity and the other top childhood health concerns. I look forward to seeing more efforts to predict, prevent and treat the root causes common to all these childhood health problems.nnFor the entire article referenced please click on the WebMD link belownhttp://children.webmd.com/default.htm?ecd=wnl_day_071608nn