Obesity College Essay Example

government and community (US Dept of Health 2010). The article underscored important points useful for individuals given they have access to suitable tools and resources (US Dept of Health 2010). Comprehensive research using government sources was conducted for the article which revealed a growth in obesity rates by 20% over two-and-a-half decades primarily among children (US Dept of Health 2010). Additionally it pointed out higher prevalence levels amongst African-American and Hispanic children compared to other racial or ethnic groups. While it did not specifically state that childhood obesity continues to be a significant issue regardless of race or ethnicity background, experts concur that the root causes and triggers remain constant across all population subgroups.
The factors contributing to obesity include consuming excess calories without adequate physical activity, genetic factors, metabolism rates, habits, environmental conditions and cultural influences. This article provides a comprehensive and credible overview of various approaches that caregivers can utilize to combat childhood obesity. Additionally, it offers numerous resources to support families and schools in assisting overweight children. By utilizing the insights and tools provided in this article, we could potentially decrease instances of childhood obesity. Consequently, this could reduce healthcare expenses allowing for more discretionary income which individuals can use towards purchasing healthier food options for themselves and their children. Ultimately, this text effectively synthesizes its arguments making it beneficial not just for prevention but also for addressing current cases of childhood obesity possibly reversing its negative effects. The United States' Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed an informative piece titled "Childhood Obesity in the United States".

It highlights issues such as limited access to fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy foods majorly

experienced by low-income communities or those residing in urban areas. Although it fails to specify that these problems are not universal.
The article suggests a bias by arguing that non-breastfeeding mothers might be a significant contributor to obesity in older children, as pointed out by CDC research. However, it neglects the potential consequences of unhealthy eating habits among breastfeeding mothers. An essential point emphasized is the need for more physical exercise and less intake of high-calorie foods. Childhood obesity rates are notably higher in poor and low-income areas which necessitates government intervention. Government-backed programs can supply these regions with resources, ideas, healthy food choices and community plans aimed at reducing obesity levels. Yet, this article's limitation is its limited scope - childhood obesity is not confined only to lower-income areas; kids from middle-class and affluent families are equally susceptible to being overweight or obese due to various other influences and environmental factors. In such environments, lack of physical exercise amongst children contributes significantly to overweightness and obesity across both young and teenage age groups. The primary focus of the article entitled "Childhood Obesity: A Societal Problem to Solve" is on identifying who should take responsibility for America's childhood obesity crisis. Unlike other articles, this one posits that individual children and their guardians primarily carry the burden of managing and preventing childhood obesity (Schwartz, 2002).However, several issues emerge from this perspective. Primarily, young children are incapable of deciding their own meals; they completely depend on what adults give them, thereby exonerating them from any fault. Furthermore, it's the responsibility of parents to ensure that their kids receive safe and nutritious food. While making some insightful observations without

shifting the blame for childhood obesity elsewhere, the author often scrutinizes the issue through a societal lens. He implies that because of societal pressure - especially media influence - parents receive contradictory information about nutrition and face scrutiny if their children are overweight. Instead of merely advocating for healthier habits among adults and children alike, the article suggests altering societal views. Addressing fundamental causes like health conditions, healthcare costs, and mental health could bring about progress. It is pivotal to recognize that apart from parental accountability, other elements also contribute to child obesity.

According to Harvard University's definition of globalization - which refers to spreading knowledge, technology, culture and capital worldwide – there can be both positive and negative outcomes (Harvard). The upside includes alleviating poverty as well as improving quality of life by eliminating hunger and disease; however there are drawbacks as well. Economic shifts have promoted prosperity but this has led to an increase in obesity rates subsequently.This problem isn't exclusively American but global.
In the last two decades, there has been a marked increase in obesity rates, especially in the United States. Harvard University data reveals that around 500 million adults globally are obese and approximately 1 billion individuals are either overweight or obese. If these trends persist, predictions suggest nearly 60 percent of the world's population (roughly 3.3 billion people) could be overweight (2 billion) or obese (1.1 billion) by 2030. This worrying trend underscores the significance of raising awareness and education to foster a healthier planet.

Addressing childhood obesity is equally important as children who are overweight often become overweight adults unless they improve their dietary habits and enhance their level of physical

activity. Many children today lead inactive lifestyles, typified by high consumption of sweetened and fatty foods along with long hours spent playing video games or watching TV in front of screens.

The advertising sector considerably contributes to worsening this issue as it endorses fast-food chains and inexpensive unhealthy food alternatives, persuading people that these choices define their value. Parents encumbered with late-night work schedules frequently choose quick visits to nearby fast-food outlets for convenient family meals; repeating such patterns more than once or twice weekly can adversely affect the mental and physical growth of developing children.
Both children and adults can become obese due to a variety of behaviors. In some cases, children might consume excessive amounts of food or drink but fail to properly utilize the energy derived from it. This often involves eating large amounts of high-sugar, high-energy foods leading to an intake of calories that exceeds their expenditure, thereby causing weight gain problems. Technological progress has resulted in children embracing sedentary lifestyles which further exacerbates childhood obesity. Owing to easy access to devices like computers, phones, tablets, video games, and televisions, children are less inclined towards outdoor activities thus compromising on physical activity. As a result, the unburned calories add up and contribute towards rising instances of childhood obesity.

The behaviors outlined above create a detrimental cycle that necessitates intervention for its discontinuation. The scenario is made worse by marketing tactics that promote high-sugar and energy-dense foods designed to lure children into making unhealthy dietary choices. Additionally, environmental factors significantly influence childhood obesity as they impact both diet patterns and levels of physical activity among kids.
Various environmental factors in a child's life, such as

their home environment, school surroundings, and local community can have significant impacts.

In the domestic sphere, parental interactions play an indispensable role in guiding children towards healthier food choices and overall wellness. However, obstacles arise when communities lack affordable healthy food options or safety concerns prevail; these issues pose challenges for parents and children alike in maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Insecure neighborhoods further deter children from engaging in outdoor activities.

Several preventative measures can be adopted to educate about, prevent, and ultimately eradicate childhood obesity. Understanding different aspects of this issue greatly assists in effectively fighting it. A number of strategies are at hand to address childhood obesity; these include initiatives within schools, community centers, playgrounds, hospitals and medical facilities that are open to all those interested in combating childhood obesity. School-based initiatives are crucial since children spend most of their time there - many schools actively participate in the Let's Move Campaign spearheaded by Michelle Obama.
The initiative, which has been running for three years, aims to combat obesity and promote health in children across the United States by promoting increased physical activity and healthier food choices. It has been reported by Mrs. Obama that this campaign is succeeding in reducing child obesity rates and is receiving a nationwide positive response. The strategy of reaching out to children in places they are familiar with has also played a significant role in the success of this campaign.

Mrs. Obama continues to advocate for this cause by appearing on television shows geared towards children, advocating active lifestyles and good food habits. Her intention is not only to inspire the young but also encourage

them to positively affect their parents or caregivers' lifestyle decisions.She maintains her belief that if the movement's momentum continues, it will further assist in decreasing obesity levels.The next phase focuses on support from within the community.

In relation to this initiative,'community' encompasses factors like geographical location, racial and ethnic background of children as well as their socioeconomic status.It is an essential tool for fostering healthy eating behavior and practices.This goal can be achieved through cooperation within communities; sharing knowledge; reciprocal learning;and willingness to change.Possible actions could include providing nutrition education classes, hosting healthy food festivals, and establishing farmer's markets.

Even those living in economically disadvantaged areas who are beneficiaries of government support can learn to purchase fresh fruits instead of unhealthy frozen or packaged foods. They can also be guided on choosing healthier alternatives when they choose sugar-laden drinks, chips, and processed foods. By arranging activities such as evening walking groups or weekend street basketball leagues, communities can offer a safe environment for children to play outside with their peers and relatives while promoting community cohesion. Such positive changes may attract media coverage, motivating other communities to do the same. However, the strategy for addressing childhood obesity varies when it comes to hospital-based and medical interventions. If a child's obesity level has drastically risen, there are supportive programs that provide help and education. These weight management initiatives educate children about proper diet habits and exercise regimens, arming them with vital knowledge to fight childhood obesity. In today's era, a multitude of resources exist for people to inform themselves about childhood obesity and aid one another in combating this problem. The widespread availability of digital technology

in American society implies it is accessible virtually everyone at some level.
Computers, phones, and tablets are technological devices that grant access to a wealth of information on virtually any topic. Given the ease at which this information is accessible, it's imperative for people to ensure its credibility and pertinence. The United States is often perceived as a global hub for mass media through Hollywood movies, TV shows, or countless journalists catering to the nation's high demand for news and entertainment (Batcher, 2011). In this context, digital technology plays a significant role where TV figures, athletes or musicians may endorse unhealthy behaviors and foods negatively affecting children. It falls under the purview of global citizenship to proactively handle these negative impacts. However, every technological breakthrough has potential downsides.An alarming statistic reveals that many children avoid participating in physical activities during their free time; a disturbing 92% of primary schools do not offer daily physical education throughout the school year. The typical American child spends about four to five hours each day involved in screen-based activities such as watching television or playing video games on various digital gadgets like computers, smartphones or tablets (Porter, 2005).Considering a child's usual day involves six to seven hours in school and an additional four to five hours spent on screen-based leisure, there is little time left for active play.

At this point in time, it is crucial that parents, children, schools and local communities work together to identify the most productive ways of improving the health and overall wellness of overweight children across the country. There is currently a website endorsed by the U.S Government and supported by former First

Lady Michelle Obama, aimed at raising awareness about childhood obesity while outlining the efforts made by a presidential task force dedicated to researching and sharing scholarly findings regarding prevention strategies for this issue.

The various initiatives include strategies like "fostering healthy habits in children from early stages, providing parents and caregivers with essential knowledge and resources, guaranteeing supply of nutritious food within educational institutions , enhancing access to reasonably priced healthy foods ,and encouraging physical activity."(whomsoever.Erg) Furthermore,the site includes a blog section which serves as an avenue for users to keep up-to-date with recent developments.The site also features links that lead users to different social media platforms where they can find additional information. It offers advice for parents, children, and educational institutions about choosing, buying, and preparing nutritious food.

The platform provides a range of links that guide users on how to encourage their children towards maintaining an active lifestyle. In addition, it allows access to pictures and successful stories aimed at motivating kids to adopt healthier habits. By enrolling in the Let's Move program, members can get emails and newsletters filled with tips and rewards. This initiative is designed to enlighten people about addressing childhood obesity from a young age while mitigating its effects. Also, the website recently commenced organizing "Let's Move" events in various cities where both kids and their parents or caregivers can learn together. These meetings serve as support groups where individuals with similar experiences can share ideas and feel good about their progress in learning. Such collective actions have the capability of breaking the cycle of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity impacts all communities across America not just those

with lower income levels.However, educating both children and their parents about healthy eating habits combined with promoting physical activity could mitigate this issue.
A multitude of effective strategies and public policies aimed at preventing and managing childhood obesity exist. It is vital to maintain these initiatives as they foster healthy habits in children that can be carried into adulthood, thus promoting a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, this could pave the way towards an improved future health for all American children. If more important parties like kids, parents, schools, caregivers, and government entities take active roles in tackling this issue, we could see a significant drop in childhood obesity rates within the next ten years or so. Addressing this issue will lead to extended life expectancy and considerable decrease in healthcare expenses. Broad-based efforts to fight obesity can substantially mitigate its root causes.