In 2002, obesity statistics show that twenty two percent U.S. preschoolers were overweight (“Child”). Sixteen percent of children in the United States aged 2-19 are considered overweight (“Childhood”). Most recent numbers show that 16 percent of children aged 6-11 are obese; these statistics have doubled since the early 80’s. According to Diane W.
Many of the habits formed during this timeframe will last well into adulthood (Schwarz & Peterson, 2010). One out of every six adolescent is overweight and one out of every three is at risk. Since the 1980’s, the rate of overweight youth has steadily increased. Obesity rates vary by race/gender. For adolescents ages 12 to 19, non-Hispanic black girls and Mexican-American boys have the highest rates of obesity, 29.2 percent and 26.7 percent respectively.
This may vary depending on several factors such as age, weight, height, physical activity and gender. Fast food has had a negative impact on Americans, especially teenagers, as it has been linked to serious health problems ranging from obesity to diabetes. McDonald’s is one of the main fast food restaurants responsible for health problems on teenagers in the United States. Physical Problems Plenty of McDonald’s food is good tasting, except that it is not nutritionally balanced and, therefore, unhealthy if consumed on a regular basis. Burgers, French fries, sodas, milkshakes, ice cream, etc are just an example of the wide menu McDonald’s has to offer the consumer making it easy for them to order a highly caloric meal.
The problem of childhood obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. If one parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance that their children will also be obese. However, when both parents are obese, their children have an 80 percent chance of being obese (Obesity In Children and Teens par. 1).
Busy and cash-stapped families increasingly rely on take-out food for family dinners, and regular consumption of over-sized portions of fatty foods can lead to widespread obesity” (Murphy 1). When people buy fast food, it is usually because they are in a hurry and need a quick meal. With advertisements of fast food chains
Additionally physical activity has decreased and between computers and video games children are leading more sedentary lifestyles. Dual income families mean busy parents more likely to rely on processed, fast foods that tend to be higher in calories and fat but low in nutritional value. These same children are more likely to be left home alone after school to choose their own snacks and spend their time watching TV or playing on the computer (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Additionally race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status play a role in determining obesity. Fast food is not only fast but also inexpensive compared to nutritious ready-to-eat meals.
Advertising and Its Effects on Childhood Obesity It has been said many times before that children are our future. One of the most alarming statistics about our future is the ever-alarming rate of obesity and overweight children in the United States. “Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%” (Childhood Obesity).
Running Head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY Childhood obesity has risen 85 percent in the past 30 years. That is a huge increase which makes for a huge increase in adult obesity. The percent in type 2 diabetes and heart disease has also increased in children and adults. . At present, nearly 8% of children 4 to 5 years of age in the United States are overweight.
The accessibility of fast food in schools encourages students to eat unhealthy, which is detrimental to their health. For example, students are always buying foods such as fries and burgers; they are not realizing how bad this food is to their health and body. When students are severely overweight or obese, they may get diseases in the future such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardio-vascular disease. Fast food is one of the factors leading to these dreadful diseases. A fast food meal may contain 900-1600 calories, which is almost half of the calories most people need each day.
With more help we can limit the number of teenagers that remain obese until theiran adult. One of the big reasons teenage obesity is common is that teens have poor eating habits. These habits can change but there has to be motivation. Teens need someone or a group of people to show them they care. When a teenager eats a McDonald’s double cheeseburger, large fries, and has a soft drink with it they are consuming up to 1131 calories where the average teen only needs between 1800 and 2100 calories per day.