Exploring the Rise of a Childhood Epidemic

A research study published in the medical journal, The Lacent, has revealed the rise of an alarming global trend - childhood obesity. The study analyzed data from nine countries that have children who live in low-and-medium income households.

The data revealed that childhood obesity has rapidly increased in less than one generation. For example, in 2014 the average American child weighed 11 pounds more than an American child did in 1984.

Unfortunately, America is not the only country with this problem; nations like China, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia have witnessed a 15% to 30% increase of childhood obesity since 1988.

The root of the problem is the abundance of processed foods in our society and the lack of nutritious foods that contain essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The majority of the food and beverage products that modern children consume are infused with chemicals and artificial preservatives that have proven to be toxic and weight-inducing.

The authors of the study speculate that the modern food industry exploits communities that have social and economic vulnerabilities; therefore, the researchers recommend the implementation of legislative measures and better food production standards to curb this global trend.

If childhood obesity is not regulated, then nations can expect to experience a rise of depression, illness, medical costs and mortality rates for the youngest members of our society.