Childhood Obesity Is A Growing Epidemic - 1297 Words

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. The UK has estimated through their schools’ National Child Measurement Program that one-third of the children there are overweight, and by 2050 that number could rise to an alarming two-thirds (Phillips 2). There are many uncontrollable factors in childhood obesity such as the environment, income and genetics. However, parents are the most overlooked factor. Our children’s futures, with regard to their eating habits, are in the hands of their parents. Ultimately, children grow into adults who make their own choices, but parents can have a positive effect on the children s health in their childhood. By focusing on the parental factor, an immense decrease in childhood obesity is obtainable. Parents must consider how the environment they choose to raise their child in can affect their child s health. In rural environments, people can live off of healthy, home-grown food. If a child lives in the city, parents may have a harder time finding healthy, affordable options for their family. For example, when comparing cities like Atlanta, Georgia to a rural farm town like Jesup, Georgia, it is apparent that bigger cities lack resources that would keep vegetables fresh and on hand at all t imes. Nevertheless, parents would still need to opt for these healthier choices, instead of processed food or fast food. Even if these options are available, the major concern parents have is whether they can afford buying healthier alternatives whichShow MoreRelatedThe Growing Epidemic Of Childhood Obesity2178 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction The United States has seen childhood obesity rates double in children and increase four times in adolescents since the 1980’s.1 The Center for Disease Control reports that in 2012, over one third of children and adolescents were considered obese or overweight.1 There is an urgent need to address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, as obesity has been shown to have deteriorating immediate health effects and increase the risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, osteoarthritisRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Growing Epidemic1820 Words   |  8 PagesAbstract Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. More than one third of children are overweight. This figure is increasing rapidly. This epidemic puts children at risk for various health problems such as type two diabetes and heart problems. Although they are several risk factors for obesity, parents play a significant role in this issue. This paper will look into how parents are influential to their children, how they contribute to this problem and how they may help fight theRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Growing Epidemic1099 Words   |  5 PagesFrom gym to honor roll There is a growing epidemic in our country, its called obesity. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years, and in 2012 more than one third of children were overweight and obese. There are countless reasons as to why this epidemic has gained so much weight over the recent decades, often people say; it is an inherited tendency to put on pounds, lack ofRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Growing Epidemic1937 Words   |  8 PagesChildhood obesity is a growing epidemic this this county. Did you know that one in six school aged children (ages 6-19) are obese? Based on studies obesity is more common among boys than girls’ ages 6-11 years old. Childhood obesity is a disease that continues to increase around the world. North America has managed to triple childhood obesity rates over the past four decades. North America also falls within one of the highest obesit y rates in the World. Childhood obesity can lead to major consequencesRead MoreThe Growing Epidemic Of Americ Childhood Obesity906 Words   |  4 Pages The growing epidemic in America: Childhood Obesity†¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ She has a round face and curly locks of dirty blonde hair that trail slightly past her shoulders. She has an infectious laugh, a flamboyant personality, and commonly says cheeky remarks without any restriction. She also has a distinctive southern accent. But perhaps, the most memorable aspect about her is the deprecating eating habits that she habitually follows. She is the one and only sensationalized reality TV show star, Alana ThompsonRead MoreGrowing Health Epidemic : Childhood Obesity1258 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica are now facing a growing health epidemic: childhood obesity. As many as 1 out of 6 children are now considered obese, and the number is expected to grow. In fact, if current trends progress, the generation born after 2000 will be the first generation that will be unhealthier than their parents. Along with health risks, the cost of care for the increasing obesity cases is estimated to cost $78 billion in medical expenses (Spradlin 2015). With an increase of obesity and related illnesses, moreRead MoreChildhood Obesity: a Growing Epidemic Essay2304 Words   |  10 PagesChildhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic Matt Vogel University of South Dakota Introduction: Would you like to super-size this meal for an extra $.39? That is a question far too many Americans hear everyday. People in this country are getting fatter and fatter. In a study conducted by the independent Institute of Medicine (IOM), the prevalence of obese children age 6 to 11 is three times as high as 30 years ago, (Arnst and Kiley, 2004). Additionally, 31% of the total U.S. population is classifiedRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Growing Epidemic Across The World Essay1824 Words   |  8 PagesChildhood obesity is a growing epidemic across the world, and has become a rapidly increasing problem in the US. In the past thirty years, the obesity rate for children aged 12-19 has quadrupled, and it has doubled in children aged 6-11 (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). When compared to the lifestyle of an average 13 year old thirty years ago, today’s lifestyle is one that seems to stack the cards against them. Thirty years ago, kids participated in recess and gym class daily, todayRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Growing Epidemic Within The United States1953 Words   |  8 PagesChildhood and adolescent obesity is a growing epidemic within the United States, creating significant short and long-term impacts on individual health and placing increased economic burdens on the health care system.1 Over the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled and adolescent obesity has quadrupled, with more than one third of children being overweight or obese in 2012.2 The negative health impacts of childhood obesity include increased risk factors for cardiovascular diseaseRead MoreChildhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic More and more children are suffering from the chronic700 Words   |  3 PagesChildhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic More and more children are suffering from the chronic condition of obesity (Serrano). Children become overweight when they consume more calories than they burn while partaking in physical activity (â€Å"A Growing Problem†). Of the six most vulnerable times in life for the development of obesity, five affect children and teens (Berg 34). Educating the people of America about acknowledging the presence of a weight problem, the history of this problem, and the physical