In the article Childhood obesity: public-health crisis, common sense cure they discuss the impact of obesity on children and how it is growing as an epidemic. Children have often been believed to be healthy and fit for growth when they were of a heavier weight. Now the epidemic of obesity has grown rapidly in adult populations leading to serious health problems later in life like Diabetes type II and cardiovascular disease. This is even more problematic for children who become obese at a young age where much development is occurring. The longer the health problems exist the harder it becomes on the body. Unfortunately for children it is difficult to control their own diet and exercise regimen this is the responsibility of the parents. The article goes into how this problem can be tackled let me know what you guys think.
http://www.allhealth.org/briefingmaterials/lancetobesityrev-393.pdf
I think this issue goes further than just physiological thought. Ever since the economy started failing, it made things not as lassie-fare and budgeting became much more difficult. People started to put careers and payments first, over quality family time. Also, The Food Industry in this country doesn't help by adding preservatives, and additives to provide cheaper foods because it is cheaper to produce. Although I do agree, I think families should put diet talks in their family dinners or "Get-to-get-hers." The way we fuel our bodies is rather important for our everyday life routine. Educating kids to eating healthy, leading to productive life as soon as possible will benefit us evolutionar-ily I think. The next two links are websites that agree with you but weighs in on how the "American Environments" or "American Society" effects this dilemma. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/healthy-weight-basics/obesity.htm
ReplyDeletehttp://www.studentpulse.com/articles/201/americas-growing-problem-increasing-levels-of-childhood-obesity
Well, when the United States government declares pizza a vegetable because the sauce contains tomatoes, you know something's wrong! Many families rely on reduced or free student lunches and others take advantage of the convenience and low expense of their child's cafeteria food. I feel like kids and parents are being pulled in so many directions these days- how are they supposed to know the right way to eat? Its pretty common sense to eat more fruits and vegetables - but what else do you need to eat to be healthy? Diet recommendations seem to focus more on micronutrients than whole foods, allowing fortified cereals and white rice to be considered health food.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, there is no consistency! Kids are taught the USDA MyPlate Recommendations (choosemyplate.org)and then fed pizza as their vegetable of the day. I would be a little confused, too! Budget cuts kick physical education out of school programs and then medicate the children when they are hyperactive.
Yes, changes certainly need to be made to improve the American lifestyle, but it's not the only system to blame for childhood obesity.