Nowadays, children obesity has increased rapidly, and it has reached the epidemic level. Experts predict that 15% of children are overweight, and another 15% are at the risk of becoming overweight. Two-thirds of these overweight children will become overweight adults. (Henry, 2004) Who or what should be blamed for the rise in obesity? Should the parents who set a bad example be blamed?
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).
America needs to stop advertising such unhealthy eating. How often do you hear of a ninety-nine cent special on a salad? Americans like there food fast and don't care to realize the effects that fast foods have on there bodies. Since, the media has such a strong influence on Americans. I believe that if healthy food is more advertised it will be eaten more.
Blaming Fast Food Restaurants for Obesity Let’s face it; everyone loves a Whopper every now and then. Yet we are all aware that one too many can bring on dangerous and life-threatening results. Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and more and more children are being affected. But do uneducated families have the right to put the blame on fast food restaurants for their health issues they could have easily prevented? I believe that we are taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity and that it is an individual’s responsibility to take the blame.
The American heart society organization showed that obesity is increasing due to the increase in fast food restaurants. As a result of the absence of physical activities, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories being eaten and to increase the level of physical activity. Thus, another solution is to cut out junk foods and fast food restaurants and start eating healthy food plus start having a healthy life style. Parents must encourage their children to eat healthy and
Childhood obesity around the world, and particularly in the U.S., is an increasing problem that is extremely damaging as its’ effects carry on into adulthood. Childhood obesity is not to be taken lightly. Eating fast-foods high in calories, rich in fats and refined sugars can actually trick the body into craving the foods and therefore, become addicted. There are many contributing factors to childhood obesity and the health risks associated with being an obese child, but the link between eating fast food and child obesity is astonishing. Obesity in anyone can prove to be a life threatening condition, but calculating good eating habits, a healthy diet and proper exercise for our children can help prevent that child from becoming obese.
People who are obese are more likely to have health problems such as: high blood pressure, raised cholesterol high insulin levels, impaired glucose tolerance, type two diabetes, heart attacks, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, kidney problems and polycystic ovary syndrome. Not all children will have these health problems but doctors are finding these problems in children and the children are getting younger. As a whole childhood obesity puts children in harm’s way and the future of America. And that is why the cycle must be reversed. We owe to the country and the kids who live
Also the lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle are causes for this epidemic. These causes and theories must be researched to give a concrete reason why. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects many adolescents and children. This issue is troubling because the extra pounds can start child on a path with problems with their health. Children with overweight and/or obesity run
The Modern Plague: Obesity With one of the highest obesity rates in the world, many Americans are affected by this disease, however, they continue to make poor choices in regards to their health. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that over 65% of U.S. adults were overweight, 32% were obese, and about 5% were extremely obese (Marchiondo). Considering that more than half of our population is at risk for obesity, Americans do not seem very distraught. Even with all the dieting techniques, negative depictions in the media towards heavier individuals, advanced technology to help combat obesity, and being one of the world’s most developed nations in terms of resources
In addition, overweight and obese people are portrayed in a negative way in the media, including television and movies. Sociocultural influences on body image can lead to eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and even obesity if an overweight viewer does not feel that she or he are living up to the culturally desirable image. The end result is a serious psychological as well as health issue. While obesity among adults has doubled since 1980, overweight among adolescents has tripled. The United States Office of the Surgeon General (2001)