Childhood Obesity: A Huge Problem In The United States

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Childhood Obesity Jamie Blake ENG 122 Jennifer Williams October 15 2012 Child obesity is a huge problem in the United States and a lot more citizens need to be aware and educated on the steps that can be taken to assist children struggling with obesity. How does Childhood Obesity happen, how many does it affect, what can be done to prevent this problem and what are the long terms affects. There are facts that show and lead others to believe that childhood obesity is the fault of the parents because children are watching too much Television, playing too many video games, they are not getting enough exercise, and most importantly they have an unhealthy diet. Well what is childhood obesity; it is defined as a serious medical condition…show more content…
These entertainment devices are taking away from physical activities and are leading to increased energy intake through snacking and eating meals in front of the TV; and, influence children to make unhealthy food choices through exposure to food advertisements. The parents need to limit the inside entertainment time, such as T.V and gaming systems from their homes and swap that time for things such as outside family time. That allows time for exercising such as a walk. These children need to burn calories by being physically active. It’s sad to say that Obesity now affects 17% (12.5 million) of all children and adolescents in the United States. “In 2007-2008 the results from NHANES, using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 16.9% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese. This is triple the rate from just one generation ago”. (Ogden 2010) Parents shape their children’s dietary practices, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and ultimately their weight status in many ways. (Lindsay…show more content…
There are ways to prevent childhood obesity. The parents could schedule their children for a yearly well-child visit. By taking the child to the doctors he or she can determine their height and weight and their body fat percentage. During the following year they can determine whether the child has grown too much and start them on a nutrition regiment to protect the child from gain even more excessive weight for their height to prevent obesity. The parents need to set a good example by eating healthy and exercising. They could even invite the child to exercise to get them in a routine. The parent needs to shed light on the positives of being healthy and playing outside to get exercise. The best way to encourage and prevent childhood obesity is as a parent it is imperative to be responsible for their own weight. You cannot expect someone to do something that you can’t do for yourself. (Mayo 2012)As far as eating healthy the physicians recommend eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day, eating lots of calcium and foods high in fiber, cutting out sugar beverages, switching to low fat dairy products. It is also very important for families to eat together and if possible prepare the meals
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