Heart Disease Caused by Childhood Obesity “In 2012, more than a third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. » (CDC) Childhood obesity is a problem that has flooded society for many decades. Almost everywhere you go you will see a magazine article or some sort of poster regarding childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can be defined as a condition in which excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being. The majority of adults worry about their weight because self-image is a very important factor in their lives, but when it comes to children, many pay very little attention to their weight. Due to the unnecessary increase in the number of obese children over the past two decades, doctors and physicians are concerned about this trend. This concern is raised by the various illnesses and health problems that accompany childhood obesity. Childhood obesity puts children at greater risk of developing health problems and heart disease. Obesity is strongly associated with heart and blood vessel diseases in many ways (Smith 5). First, obese people are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries that occurs when there is a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the body. There is evidence that atherosclerosis is more common in people who are obese than in people who are not. This condition can lead to a myocardial infarction, or what we call a heart attack. After a heart attack, it is very difficult to recover, especially for a child. Following a heart attack, the heart is damaged and may not be able to pump sufficient amounts of blood throughout your body, which can lead to death or disability. Second, body fat being... middle of paper..... .rts suggested that communities and schools get involved by eliminating the number of vending machines in schools and community locations. It is also suggested that the government gets involved and lowers the prices of healthy food choices and limits the promotion of unhealthy foods. It is imperative that society comes together to help prevent childhood obesity. No child or parent wants to suffer from any type of heart disease or illness, either now or later in life. Experts see rising obesity rates as a wake-up call to take the childhood obesity “epidemic” very seriously. Since childhood obesity is linked to many health problems, it significantly affects lifespan. Childhood obesity can and must be prevented if we are to ultimately save the lives and future lives of children...