Obesity Analysis Essay Example

The size of McDonald's food portions has increased significantly, to the point where even their happy meal is not considered a healthy option.

Since the infamous "Supersize" option was introduced, the calorie content has significantly increased. Recent studies reveal that McDonald's Big Mac, which was considered large 40 years ago, now contains only around 3 ounces of meat in comparison to the new mega-burgers. Furthermore, McDonald's soda portions have also increased over time. Initially, a soda was 7 ounces while today, the child size is 12 ounces, a small is 16 ounces, and the large is 32 ounces (Woodard). This data emphasizes that not only portion sizes but also the number of children consuming these larger portions will continue to rise.

Furthermore, these restaurants are widely distributed across various locations. It has been reported that there are over 12,800 McDonald's branches throughout the United States (Childhood Obesity in America). McDonald's is just one example of the numerous fast food establishments in America, highlighting the vast number of such restaurants collectively. Moreover, these restaurants heavily rely on advertising through captivating commercials that instantly attract children's attention. Utilizing catchy songs, logos, and animated characters, fast food restaurants like McDonald's consistently advertise on children's television networks.

The kids network Nickelodeon, for instance, frequently promotes McDonald's, advertising it a minimum of twenty times per day (Woodard). Many children are captivated by these fast food chains and may have some knowledge of the negative effects they can have on their health. This familiarity with fast food advertising is illustrated in the documentary film Super Size Me, where the protagonist interviews overweight children and asks them about their

awareness of Ronald MacDonald.

The widespread recognition of McDonald’s is evident in children's frequent exposure to its commercials on television. However, this exposure may come at the expense of their knowledge about important figures such as the president. To illustrate this point, Morgan Spurlock conducts a test where he shows a picture to a child and asks them to identify it. The child mistakenly guesses that the picture is of George W. Bush instead of Jesus. This example highlights how the obsession with fast food advertising can hinder America’s children from understanding what truly matters. These advertisements, along with the appealing food portions and convenient locations, are all specifically designed to capture a child’s attention and stimulate their appetite.

The fast food industry is unknowingly turning children into victims, making it the parents' responsibility to regulate their diet and prevent obesity. LeDrappier indicates that families are also a negative influence as they are the root cause of their weight problems. Pediatricians recommend families to create a healthy home environment, consult doctors about family members' BMI percentiles, and collaborate with the community to promote health in schools and neighborhoods (AAP).

Parents have a vital role in promoting their child's health and well-being, encompassing both physical and emotional happiness. It is essential for families to prioritize avoiding unhealthy foods when children are present as this sets a negative example. Children often look up to their parents' choices since they may not be aware of what constitutes as unhealthy. Consequently, they might consider their parents' eating habits as the benchmark for their own diet. Moreover, the degree of closeness between parent and child, parental education,

and family structure all contribute significantly to ensuring a child's overall well-being.

According to researcher Venker, the parent-child relationship has a crucial effect on the long-term risk of overweight or obesity. To prevent their teenager from developing obesity, parents should build a healthy bond with their child. This strong connection will discourage the child from using food as a way to cope with emotions like sadness or loneliness. Furthermore, it enables parents to closely observe and be conscious of their child's eating habits. Parents must also keep track of activities such as television and video game usage time and make sure that breakfast is not missed.

The significance of breakfast in addressing children's nutritional requirements, promoting a healthy weight, and lowering blood cholesterol levels is widely acknowledged (Childhood Overweight and Obesity). Consequently, breakfast assumes an important role as a fundamental meal of the day. It becomes imperative for parents to oversee their child's eating patterns, establish a strong bond with them, and monitor their daily routines. Failing to consider these factors can result in childhood obesity. Apart from consuming unhealthy food choices, overweight children frequently lead sedentary lives with restricted physical activity.

Exercise is essential for the well-being of children. The decrease in physical activity can be linked to technological advancements, which, although impressive, result in a rising inclination among children to stay indoors and engage in less active behavior. According to Healthy Living's report on Child Obesity in America, numerous children are developing a dependency on video games and other electronic entertainment, leading them to lose their enthusiasm for physical activities.

According to Crossman, young children have a strong fascination

with television and find it difficult to shift their focus away from the screen. This results in decreased physical activity. The Influence of Family Environment on Adolescent Risk for Obesity in Childhood highlights that this inactive lifestyle is worsened by the growing use of electronic devices like computers and handheld video game systems, which take up a substantial amount of children's time. As a result, television is recognized as a key factor contributing to this problem.

Childhood obesity in America is on the rise due to children's inclination towards video games, television, and electronic devices. This preference for screens limits their engagement in physical activities, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle. The consequences of this lack of exercise and poor eating habits are significant, as it can lead to considerable weight gain during childhood and increase the risk of developing obesity later in life.

When a child's body becomes overweight, it can have multiple effects on different parts of the body. For instance, the respiratory system may develop asthma, which makes breathing difficult for the child. Additionally, obesity can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease, blood clots, colon cancer, strokes, and high blood pressure. Type-two diabetes is particularly dangerous and potentially lethal as it occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Insufficient insulin production in the body, which regulates the transfer of sugar into cells, can cause abnormal glucose levels. This condition poses serious health risks and symptoms for children. According to the World Health Organization, excessive weight is the primary factor that raises the risk of type-two diabetes in children. In the United States, approximately 20% of children

are classified as overweight. Once a child becomes overweight, their chances of developing diabetes more than double (Childhood Overweight and Obesity).

Children suffering from obesity need assistance as this condition can persist into adulthood, causing various detrimental effects. It is undeniable that these consequences are harmful and can worsen as children continue to grow. LeDrappier, 6 Obesity affects not only the physical health of children, but also their mental well-being. The presence of extra weight can negatively impact a child's self-image. Factors such as low self-esteem, resulting from cruel taunts and insults from peers regarding their weight, contribute to a child's weight problem.

According to the book Expanding Waistlines, obese children often face discrimination which leads to self-blame and anxiety. They are frequently called lazy, stupid, slow, and self-indulgent. This labeling has a negative impact on these vulnerable individuals as they tend to isolate themselves to avoid harassment. As a result, the presence of obese children not only affects their health but also contributes to a higher rate of severe depression in America.

Obesity is a major cause of death in American society (Campos, 1), making it crucial to address this issue among children. The overwhelming pressures in America contribute to child obesity and hinder prevention efforts. Fortunately, there is increasing support from federal and state governments to target the problem of child obesity and enhance the health of those affected.

Legislation and health initiatives, including specific guidelines and laws (Hills), are being implemented by the government to alter children's eating habits and physical activities. These guidelines aim to educate many Americans about obesity and raise awareness of child dieting. Michelle

Obama, a prominent figure from the White House, also plays a role in tackling this crisis affecting America's children.

Michelle Obama's "Let’s Move" campaign was created to address childhood obesity and raise awareness about the issue. The Washington Post reports that Obama targets various groups, including children, parents, governors, mayors, educators, school nutrition leaders, and food manufacturers in her efforts. The campaign aims to eliminate the obesity epidemic in children within one generation (Givhan). It is crucial for these campaigns and organizations to continue their work to offer assistance and support to undernourished children. Michelle Obama's involvement brings hope to overweight children in America by providing them with an opportunity to lose weight and improve their overall health.

Both the American government and pediatricians are dedicated to supporting children. Pediatricians inform parents about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet for their child and also evaluate a child's BMI to prevent overweight or obesity. If a child is identified as overweight or obese, pediatricians provide guidance to parents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises patients on the daily intake of fruits and vegetables, limits on screen time, engagement in physical activity, and avoidance of sugary drinks. They also highlight the importance of family mealtime, cutting down on eating out, having a nutritious breakfast, and preparing homemade meals for children (AAP). This enables parents to closely observe their children's eating habits. Understanding how food impacts a child's body is vital for parents. Moreover, it is essential to consider snack and lunch periods at school where children spend the majority of their day.

To combat the risks of junk food, many schools have

banned unhealthy foods and are encouraging physical activity through longer play times and mandatory gym sessions. These measures aim to greatly impact the overall well-being of American children, inspiring them to embrace a healthy lifestyle. It is essential for both parents and children to understand the importance of health and exercise in making informed decisions about their diet.

Despite recognizing the positive and negative factors impacting children's weight, additional effort is needed to enhance America's health. It is imperative to take further action to combat the growing epidemic. Unfortunately, solely relying on positive preventive measures is inadequate in offsetting the harmful influences on today's American children. By committing to eliminating this issue and restoring previous levels of good health, America can effectively address the problem of child obesity.