Childhood Obesity Essay

Introduction

Childhood obesity is increasingly becoming a major problem of Public Health in developing countries, particularly in Canada and the United States. Lack of physical activity, poor nutritional choices, easily accessible fast foods and the built environment are all seen as factors that contribute greatly to childhood obesity. Individuals who are obese have increased risk of developing high blood pressure, impaired glucose function and may sometimes fall victims to physical and psychological abuse (Ludwig, Peterson & Gortmaker, 2001). In Canada, the prevalence rate of obesity has risen predominantly among children and adolescents (Roberts, Shields, De Groh, Aziz & Gilbert, 2012). An estimated 19.8% within the age groups of 5 to 17...show more content...

The first empirical evidence provides a snapshot of regulating food advertising to children and the second empirical evidence provides a detailed analysis of implementing nutrition base policies in schools.

Regulation of Food Advertisement to Children

The advertising of foods and beverages targeted at children in Canada is a major cost for concern and policy makers should be taking a critical look at it. Restricting the marketing of foods and beverages targeted at children is a cost efficient way of implementing a population base intervention to combat childhood obesity (Raine, Lobstein Landon, Kent, Pellerin, Caulfield, Finegood, Mongeau, Neary & Spence, 2013). The World Health Organization (WHO) and other International bodies such as the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) have set tough recommendations for countries to follow to restrict the advertising of food and beverages to children (Raine, Lobstein Landon, Kent, Pellerin, Caulfield, Finegood, Mongeau, Neary & Spence, 2013). These recommendations outline several empirical evidences which serve as the paradigm for policy makers to act on and protect children from being targeted by advertising companies. The empirical evidences suggest children lack the knack to cognitively understand the persuasive intent of advertising companies (Raine et al, 2013). Food advertising companies envision children as susceptible and therefore adopt means and ways to lure them into buying their wares. Popular cartoon and Get

Childhood obesity may not seem like a serious problem, but it is a serious medical condition that can have major effects on a child. Although genetics play a role in determining a child's weight, it is usually due to a child's amount of exercise and the consumption of healthy meals. Doctors are concerned with the issue, as we all should be, and they are creating new programs that are geared toward helping children learn how to follow a healthier lifestyle. There are some promising outlooks with these programs, and most doctors agree that parents should help their children create a more active and healthy lifestyle. They also agree that the government should provide more attention to the issue as well. Since the growing problem of childhood...show more content... Also, any families spend their time together by eating meals while watching television, which can cause children to overeat (Denney–Wilson). Often partnered with fast food, soft drinks have risen to popularity. Many parents are unaware that one 12 ounce can of soda is filled with 10 teaspoons of sugar. Just one additional serving of soda increases a child's odds of obesity by 60% ("1 Can of..."). If parents are made aware of what they are feeding their children, it might help reduce the percentage of obese children in the United States. Although most families would react to obesity by trying to feed their children healthier meals, some lower–income families are unable to afford the best quality food for their families. One study showed that children from households that are experiencing financial insecurity are more prone to health issues than those who are not experiencing these same issues (Yoo). The government should help these lower–income families by providing them with monetary support to purchase healthy food. Not only will the incorporation of a healthy diet help children overcome their weight problems, it can have an added benefit of helping them academically. Researchers have found that children who eat healthy meals will report better scores on standardized tests (Williams). By changing the diet of their children, parents can help their children to overcome their weight problems. The incorporation of a daily exercise routine can

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Informative Speech 1 Outline Childhood Obesity Planning Block General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform the audience of the importance of childhood obesity Central Idea: Childhood obesity is an epidemic that is sweeping across America and will continue to get worse unless the problem is faced head on. Introduction Hook: Introduce myself. Then start talking about the "Maury Povich" show when there are fat babies. Then talk about how they think it may be funny/cute, but then let them know that it's a big problem that happens all over America. Going to show pictures from the show during the hook and other different pictures throughout speech. Importance to Audience: Most members of the audience (class)...show more content...

V. Today I am going to inform you on the dangers of childhood obesity and ways to prevent it happening in your families. Body I. Childhood obesity has tripled within the last 30 years. 1 In 1980, 6.5% of children 6–11 years old were obese. In 2008, that percentage rose to nearly 20%. II. Being obese as a child, doesn't mean you be obese as an adult. A. Only 25% of obese adults were obese as children. III. Childhood obesity has both short and long term effects on someone's health. 2 Primary cause is calorie intake and calories expended. 3 Other reasons include behavioral, genetic, and environmental factors. 4 Physical effects are type II diabetes, high blood pressure, low metabolism, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. 5 Psychological effects are low self–esteem and social discrimination. (Go into more detail on C and D) IV. These effects can directly relate to problems as an adult. V. Ways to prevent childhood obesity. 6 Make your children eat properly. (List a few ways of eating properly) 7 Keep them active. Make them participate in sports, after school activities, exercise with them, or just make them go outside and play for a while, rather than stay inside and play video games. (Mention the "Play 60" program that the NFL talks about) (put in some pictures of activities and such) 8 Be involved as parents or whatever you relationship with them may be. Encouragement is a

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Within the past three years obesity among children has tripled. Childhood obesity is considered the number one health threat in America. Childhood obesity has become a major issue facing America. And today over "nine million" (Selicia 4, May) United States children are overweight and obese. Sadly "2 million" (Tanner 2005) of these children are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Obesity has become a burden to the United States economy and it is costing America "$147 billion" (Holden, 2010) a year. A child does not become overweight and obese overnight. America, Parents, society and the government are to blame for the obesity among American children. Obesity has been around for many years, but it has always been addressed has an adult...show more content...

According to Sandra G. Boodman (Jun 13, 1995) numerous researchers have found that "obesity runs in families: A child with two fat parents has an 80 percent chance of being fat as an adult; the risk is cut in half if only one parent is obese. By contrast a child of two normal–weight parents has a 14 percent chance of growing up to being fat". Children adopt the habits of their parents. A child who has an overweight parent who eats high–calorie foods and are inactive will likely become overweight too. However, if the family adopts healthy food and physical activity habits, the child's chance of being overweight or obese is reduced. Obese children are more prone to low–self–esteem and negative body image. In rare cases obesity is not necessarily due to the child being overfed or eating too much. Childhood obesity can also be caused by a genetic medical, psychological, genetics, lifestyle and environment". Hypothyroidism Cushing's disease, diabetes and certain medications, notably steroids, some antidepressants, and high blood pressure drugs, and seizure medications can all cause a person to become obese. These medicines can slow the rate at which your body burns calories, increase your appetite, or cause your body to hold on to extra water. All of these factors can lead to weight gain. It is without a doubt that many children tend to overeat when faced with stressful life circumstances in an effort to escape Get more content

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low– and middle–income families particularly in the United States. The socioeconomic status of these families contributes to the childhood obesity epidemic.

Summary of Article 1

The article, "Beliefs about the Role of Parenting in Feeding and Childhood Obesity among Mothers of Lower Socioeconomic Status" is a study that was conducted by Alison Kalinowski, Kylene Krause, Carla Berdejo, Kristina Harrell, Katherine Rosenblum, and Julie Lumeng. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior. The focus of the study was to examine beliefs about the role of parenting in feeding...show more content...

Summary of Article 4

The article, "Factors associated with obesity in Latino children: a review of the literature" is peer reviewed article that was conducted by Melanie L. Kornides, Panagiota Kitsantas, and Antonia Villarruel. The study was published in Hispanic Health Care International. The purpose of this article was to review the current literature on the factors associated with overweight and obesity in Latino children, provide nursing implications, and suggest direction for future research. The findings of this review indicated that factors related to activity, diet, genetics, the environment, and acculturation influence overweight and obesity in Latino children. The strengths of the studies reviewed included analyses by Latino subgroup, large Latino sample sizes, and inclusion of both English and Spanish speakers. Limitations included inadequate sample sizes in some studies and lack of data on potential confounding factors such as acculturation and immigration status. Future research is needed to determine how factors associated with obesity can be used in prevention efforts targeting Latino children.

Summary of Article 5

The article, "Disparities in obesity and overweight prevalence among US immigrant children and adolescents by generational status" written by Singh and Kogan is a study that was published in the Journal Of Community Get