Counteract Childhood Obesity

In America childhood obesity statistics show that almost 60 percent of children are obese. This statistic continues to grow at an alarming rate. 70 percent of obese adolescence become obese adults. This means when these children grow into adults they will have more health problems than they already do and their quality of life will decrease. The amount of children who are obese between ages 6-11 years old has risen from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 19.6 percent, in 2008. In adolescents ages 12-19 years old the obesity rates risen from 5.0 percent in 1960 to 18.1 percent in 2008. Last year the United States government stated that obesity and type 2 diabetes have become a national epidemic.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States in the past three decades. In 2012, roughly 17% or 12.5 million children and adolescents are overweight or obese” (“Childhood Obesity Facts,” 2014). According to the Centers of Disease Control and

Since 1980 the rates of child obesity have more than tripled which has caused a growing pandemic of childhood obesity in the United States. Out of all the young children and adolescents within the age group of two through nineteen about 12.7 million are obese. That is the equivalent of about 17% of America’s population that is suffering from childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is too prevalent in all American households. Childhood obesity is detrimental on a national scale, since it has been growing at a steady rate in the United States of children not reaching the daily-recommended physical activity, the absence of a balanced diet with overconsumption of eating, and more critically the increase of type 2 diabetes.

According to Time Magazine, childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed. Since the 1960’s, the percentage of children ages 6 to 11 have tripled to 13% (Time, 2015).

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and other developed economies. Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the U.S. has increased at an alarming rate, from 5-7% to 18-20% by 2008 (CDC, 2012). In addition, a full one third of all children in the U.S. are now overweight.

Childhood obesity can lead to a life long struggle with obesity. The National Institutes of Health discovered that “The percentage of overweight Children has increased, by almost 50% in the last two decades of the 20th century… It has also been observed that about 40 percent of overweight children will continue to have increased weight during adolescence and 75-80% of obese adolescents will become obese adults” (National Institutes of Health). This proves that the increase in childhood obesity has led to an escalation in obesity in adults.

The rates of obesity among U.S. children are alarming to take actions; in 2012, the obesity has raised from 7% in 1980 to 18% in ages 6-12 year

Children are our future, and therefore, everyone should protect the young community. Childhood obesity is an epidemic that should be prevented. Children have the right to live a long, healthy life. However, the rise of obesity is affecting the young community. Childhood obesity attains negative repercussions. Yes, doctors have found many ways to combat obesity. As a matter of fact, they emphasize how important one’s health is. It is crucial to acknowledge that obesity alters a child’s health. Obesity has the power to affect a child mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The United States has seen childhood obesity rates double in children and increase four times in adolescents since the 1980’s.1 The Center for Disease Control reports that in 2012, over one third of children and adolescents were considered obese or overweight.1 There is an urgent need to address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, as obesity has been shown to have deteriorating immediate health effects and increase the risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer in adulthood.1 Although there are many influential factors in a child’s weight, nutrition is one of the main ones to consider, as a complete and balanced diet also promotes healthy growth and development.2 Research indicates that school encompasses a significant portion of a child’s time, cognitive, physical and social development, and as such, has the responsibility to promote a healthy lifestyle for children.3 Because of the nationwide concern surrounding childhood obesity, recent federal wellness policy for public schools mandate that nutrition education, physical activity and other wellness promoting programs must be part of the school environment.4 The purpose of this review of literature is to evaluate if school nutrition is one of the major contributors to childhood obesity and how policy changes have affected the problem.

Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults. Being obese can cause many health issues in children such as type two diabetes, joint problems, trouble breathing, high cholesterol as well as having low self-esteem. The Schools lunch program plays a huge role in effecting the health of

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic this this county. Did you know that one in six school aged children (ages 6-19) are obese? Based on studies obesity is more common among boys than girls’ ages 6-11 years old. Childhood obesity is a disease that continues to increase around the world. North America has managed to triple childhood obesity rates over the past four decades. North America also falls within one of the highest obesity rates in the World. Childhood obesity can lead to major consequences if not treated. The rising issue of childhood obesity can be decreased if society would take a stand and accurately evaluate the causes.

Obesity is becoming an increasing problem with children in America. The obesity rate among children and adolescents have been greatly increasing in the last thirty years. “In 1976, about 7% of children and 5% of adolescents were obese, with a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile; in 2000, over 15% of both groups had become obese.” Nearly one third of American children were obese by 2000.

A child can not be put outside in a above 100 degree weather and expect him to actually put in effort. That is why most kids do end up gaining weight as their older. The word is, when a child hits his or her teenage years they will lose all the weight, but that is not the case anymore. They will be losing the weight they used to have, on the other hand, some do not even try as much as they did back then. So, why hasn't the problem been solved yet? Many important figures have tried to fix this problem of obesity in children by reducing the calories they offer at school every day that , first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has created. In addition, the government has also had some type of involvement in helping out with this particular issue.They have asked many fast food companies to show the amount of calories each item had on the menu's so the consumer can be aware of what they are about to consume. Although, a few companies did hesitate to demonstrate the calories on the menu's most of them did so and a few others have not yet to take the

In the U.S. there is a very high number of children that have obesity. “More than one third of the U.S. children have obesity” (“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”). If one third of children in the United States are obese then communities need to take action to do something about it. Therefore we need to educate,learn how to prevent it, and last learn how to prevent it.

There are many effects of obesity; this is especially true for children. “Long term health consequences of childhood obesity and obesity in general can include liver degeneration, sleep apnea, kidney failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, hip and knee pain, a higher risk of bone fractures and hypothyroidism” (Johnson). Childhood obesity is a disorder that left untreated can lead to other complications that will follow a child throughout his/her adult life. Being overweight puts extensive strain on the body. The organs have to work overtime, so they are more likely to give out earlier. Children should not have to worry about high blood pressure and diabetes before even reaching adulthood. In the article, “Childhood Obesity: A Lifetime of Danger” Daniel Jones, president of the American Heart Association states “If something is not done about the current childhood obesity epidemic, many of these kids will be at higher risk of dying young from heart disease and organ failure” (qtd. in Hellmich). Overweight children have additional health risks and are prone to more injuries. They tend to spend more time in the hospital than children who are of normal weight. Children that are at a healthy weight are free of these weight related diseases and are less likely to develop these attributes in adulthood. Being obese can shorten a person’s life and can make a difference on how long or how fulfilling a child’s adolescence years are.