Childhood Obesity Is The 21st Century Epidemic Essay

In the United States childhood obesity is the 21st century epidemic and will be for a long time. In the past 3 decades childhood obesity has been on the rise, and currently one and three children is obese. Only 2 percent of the children in the U.S have a healthy diet. Moreover, obesity rates are much higher in children than in adults, and it is the production and promotion of unhealthy foods as well as lack of physical activity that account for this disparity. It is one of the top health concerns facing children and parents in the U.S. Children that are obese face possible health concerns in the future. â€Å"The United States, Brazil, China, Russia and other countries have seen the rise of obesity in children more than adults.†20 The United Nations has 48 least developing countries that are still fighting childhood hunger; however, with globalization it has made the world more productive, wealthier, and with that body fat, weight, health and wealth are linked together. Until the early 1960’s childhood obesity had never been a problem. Between 1963-1970 the rate of obesity for children of both genders through the ages of 6-11 years old was 4.2 percent and for those between the ages of 12-19 the rate was 4.6 percent. From their the rates of children and adolescents who were obese would only increase. In the year of 1971-1974 the rate of 6-11 years old was 4.0 percent, and adolescents between the ages of 12-19 were 6.1 percent. Between the year 1976-1980 the rate of obesity inShow MoreRelatedChildhood Obesity800 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ I. Introduction a. Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States. b. We can teach children healthy eating habits, incorporate physical activity and lead by example. II. Teaching healthy eating habits a. Educate children about healthy foods and their benefits b. Provide healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks c. Limit fast food for meals III. Incorporating physical activity a. 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Medical doctors, scholars, researchers are all in agreement that there is a complete link between what we eat and drink,Read Moreforce have contributed to a dramatic shift in family eating habits. The traditional family dinner900 Words   |  4 Pagessafe neighborhoods also contribute to increases in childhood obesity. Our local community lacks organized opportunities for safe, recreational activities; therefore, in the absence of adult caregivers, many latch-key ch ildren are instructed to remain inside the home, watch television, play video games or surf the Internet. These sedentary lifestyle choices do not encourage active engagement which results in increases in incidents of childhood obesity. Our local school district’s socioeconomic statusRead MoreChildhood Obesity Epidemic1421 Words   |  6 Pagesdown prices and their addictive nature. For that matter, the commencement of the 21st century brought our attention to the childhood obesity epidemic. Although a widespread issue, it is also a discriminative one in the sense that specific groups--African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians -- are disproportionately affected. The commencement of the 21st century brought our attention to the childhood obesity epidemic. Although a widespread issue, it is also a discriminative one in the sense thatRead MoreSchools Should Implement Programs Tailored to Prevent Childhood Obesity796 Words   |  4 Pages This essay exposes the adverse consequences of childhood obesity on the overall prosperity of the country, elucidating the urgent requirement of prevention programs in schools. Childhood obesity is one of the most alarming public health challenges of the 21st century(World health organisation.(2012). Obesity according to Bruce-Keller et al.(2009) is ‘a physiological condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it can negatively affect health’. Over 90% of children in Australia