Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic Obesity continues to become an increasing cause for death worldwide, none as true as in the United States. Obesity is a “lifestyle risk resulting from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure”. Internationally, at least 10% of school age children are considered obese. In the United States, this number is near 32%. Childhood obesity is so important to tackle at an early age, because studies have shown that it leads to long term health risk such as diabetes, heart disease, and cardiovascular disease.
There are many reasons that a parent should be held responsible for their child’s obesity. Childhood obesity has become a worldwide epidemic. A child looks to their parent(s) for guidance on how to live; if the parent(s) chose to look the other way; this shows the child(ren) that being overweight and unhealthy is okay. That can also contribute to the likelihood that the child(ren) will become obese as an adult. Scholars recognize "it is not advantageous to wait until
Recent research has begun to explain many of the scientific causes for childhood obesity. Research indicates “that a decrease in daily energy expenditure without a concomitant decrease in total energy consumption may be the underlying factor for the increase in childhood obesity” (ASPE). Technology, fast foods, and our environment (which includes parental influence, school, and community); also play a huge part in this obesity epidemic. Technology has replaced what use to be most children outdoors time. More and more kids adjust to a sedentary lifestyle due to all the technology they have available to them.
In a 2004 study in Health Affairs, conducted by Kenneth Thorpe and colleagues, showed “obesity attributable health care spending increased in the United States between 1987 and 2000, and found that increases in obesity prevalence alone accounted for 12 percent of the increase in health spending; at about $301.” (Dunford) Health care costs in turn become more of a luxury to the middle class, thus less Americans are covered. The setup of the care therefore only jumps into action once people become sick, and not prevent the cause of the disease in the first place. Healthcare becomes directly affected by the food companies make, due to the man-made ingredients and unfair advertising. In the end, we are paying the price. Obesity’s effect on our culture and health costs is only rising, making this problem detrimental for the future for the US.
By comparison, healthcare spending on obesity is already $147 billion” “Healthcare costs are 42% higher for someone who is obese – that’s over $1,400 each” (Oliver, Killer Facts, para. 2). Obesity and diabetes are on the rise costing continually more money meaning less for other things such as school food programs. If we spent more money on making healthy school lunches we would eventually save money on the cost of healthcare. If we put money into the right causes such as teaching children healthy habits we will cut down on obesity rates and save on future costs of healthcare and reform later
Fast food has now the number one reason for health issues that many children are now facing obesity at an earlier age. When thinking about fast food there are many problem and solutions that can come to mind. Fast food has now become the major problem in the United States
Conclusion: 1. I. Summary A) Obesity is the leading cause of children in America. B) Childhood obesity risk a lot of health problems. II.
Childhood Obesity in Minorities and the Efficacy of WIC Childhood Obesity in the United States is an escalating problem, especially amongst minorities in the underclass of American society. There are many factors which influence this epidemic, such as diet, exercise, and access to healthy foods which are all directly correlated to the socioeconomic status of minority children. Texas WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a nutritional program that assists pregnant women, new mothers and young children by helping them eat well to stay healthy. WIC is designed to provide nutritional education, counseling and nutritious foods to low-income women, infants and children (Texas WIC 2010). While WIC has been, overall, considered effective by research,
American Obesity Epidemic Joe-Anne McCormick Anthropology 101 Jonathan Sharpe October 25, 2010 The American culture in the last 30 years has become obese. Obesity among African American and Hispanic children and adults is a growing epidemic in the United States. However,” obesity among immigrants may reflect adaptation of the U.S. lifestyle, such as increased sedentary behavior and poor dietary patterns.”(Goel, 2004) Nutritionists and health experts say that obesity is linked to serious and life-threatening illnesses and disabilities that carry enormous economic and public health costs. (Loonin 2007) Such health problems include heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Childhood Obesity Terenda Jones ENG 122 English Comp II Instructor: Sharon Hanscom June 4, 2012 Childhood Obesity Childhood Obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. In my finding the definition of “overweight and obesity are the result of “calorie imbalance”—two few calories expanded for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.”(www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity). The nature of this disease obesity starts from birth. Researching this information is important because kids are not being active because they are overweight and become restless and tired easily. In this paper I will discuss how this starts from birth dealing with genetics