In order to put an end to childhood obesity, the schools needs to prepare a healthy yet balanced diet for all kids, by serving them with good food that is full of nutrition. District U-46 schools should prepare healthier/ more nutritious lunches in order to reduce childhood obesity. First, the most important reason why lunches should be more nutritious and healthier is to reduce childhood obesity in our children. In the United States, the amount of overweight children has dramatically increased in the recent years. In 2002, obesity statistics show that twenty two percent U.S. preschoolers were overweight (“Child”).
(2011). Promoting healthy eating and an active lifestyle in schoolchildren. Nursing Standard, 25(48), 48-56. Bittman, M. (2011, September 24). Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?.
Change4Life is a public health programme in England that began in 2009. It is run by the department of health and was the UK’s first national social marketing campaign to tackle the causes of obesity, It is still on-going today and it’s aim is to encourage people to play a part in improving the nation’s health and well-being by encouraging everyone to ‘eat well, move more and live longer’. Change4life originally targeted parents with children by using cartoon imagery and non-judgemental language to suggest easy diet and exercise swaps that would improve their health. It did this through television
We need to stand up for them and get the schools to provide healthy foods. Parents need to be more of a role model to our children and teach them what is healthy and what is not. Two out of three children consume about one-third of their total calories from eating school meals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 17% of children, ages 2-19 are obese. Ann Cooper says, “40 – 45% of people will be insulin dependent within a decade.
etc. ... Advertising the causes of childhood obesity could be effective. These campaigns against overeating may be the only way to combat claims that three meals a week from McDonald’s is fine. Evidence shows that children respond well to advice about their diets. As a matter of fact, Critser provides further evidence showing that overweight kids who were put on a supervised diet had better eating habits.
Moreover, soup consumption in U.S. household averages 1.4 cans per week, with the segment of 18-24 average rising up to 2.1 cans/week. Concerning market trends, it can be said that soup is still regarded as a seasonal buy and a low-innovation product. Yet, it is noteworthy that Healthyliving solutions have been pointed as a need for children, among whom obesity concerns are especially important. Senior consumers, who have been described as brand loyal and heavy soup users, also show growing health concerns and tend to choose low-sodium, fiber-enriched products. On the other hand, these same two attributes turn out to be unappealing to younger segments.
Fortunately, the solution to this national epidemic is within reach. Parents, grandparents, educators and caring people everywhere can all play a part in instilling in kids the lifelong habits they need for health and academic success. I believe public schools should take a better initiative to increase health in schools because it is best to instill good habits at a young age, schools are an ideal environment to improve health of children (our future adults), and they can play an active role in fighting obesity. Everyone has a role to play. Your involvement as caregivers and adults is key to ensuring a healthy future for our children.
Schools have an ideal opportunity to influence children’s diets. Breakfast clubs can help ensure that children eat a nutritious and filling meal at the start of the day. School meals can be made more appealing to children by being freshly prepared on the premises and served in a more conducive environment. Schools can teach the importance of healthy eating through PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and stimulate children’s interest in and provide access to different foods in cooking classes. There is a suggestion that combined with a poor diet; a lack of physical activity can lead to obesity.
Australian Heart Foundation, [updated 2010 August 17; cited 2020 April 07]. Available from: http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Healthy_Living/Healthy_Kids/Eat_Smart_Play_Smart/Pages/default.aspx 7. Jolly R. Marketing obesity? Junk food, advertising and kids. Research Paper no.
The economic cost of supporting and increasingly overweight population with more diseases is another concern (U.S. obesity). Childhood obesity has not only prominent immediate effects but dangerous long-terms effects on children’s health and wellbeing. The effected children can more likely to have risk factor, cardiovascular disease, such a high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In a population based sample of 5 to 17 years old, 70% of obese youth had one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (Journal of Pediatrics,