Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity In Schools Essay

Submitted By
Words 637
Pages 3
Childhood obesity is a huge problem in today’s world, with more that 1 in 5 teenagers in America being classified as obese. This is twice as many adolescents compared to 30 years ago and that number is still growing. People recognized this growing problem and numerous actions have been taken to try and fix this. One popular solution is online nutritional education programs and online food tracking. It is very quick and simple to use these online programs and it is also something that is available on a phone or computer, so it really resonates with all adolescents. The study I read about was trying to provide evidence that these online programs really are making a difference. They started by getting three groups of adolescents, a control group who used no program at all, a group …show more content…
They observed the adolescents for six weeks to see the effects the program had on their daily eating habits. In the end they found that the group of adolescents who had been using the online Nutriathalon program ate more than double the amount of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy than the control group. The adolescents who participated in the paper and pencil version still showed improvement, but not as much as those who were using the online program. They mainly focused on fruit, vegetable, and dairy consumption because those appeared to be the most commonly associated foods with better weight control. They came to the conclusion that these web-based programs were very effective in changing the eating habits in adolescents, and suggested they be implemented not just in schools, but also at camps, daycares, or even at home. These platforms clearly changed the eating habits of adolescents and they may carry these good habits throughout their whole life, however further research is needed to determine if it actually carries over into adulthood. I thought this study was very interesting because it seemed like these online programs really do have a huge positive impact on

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Writing Ae2

...example. (30 pts) CAN MEDICATION CURE OBESITY IN CHILDREN? A Review of the Literature In March 2004, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona called attention to a health problem in the United States that, until recently, we have overlooked: childhood obesity. Carmona highlighted that the “astounding” 15% child obesity rate constitutes an “epidemic.” Since the early ‘80s, that rate has “doubled in children and tripled in adolescents.” Now more than nine million children are classified as obese. While the traditional response to a medical epidemic is to hunt for a vaccine or a cure-all pill, childhood obesity has proven more elusive. Lacking success of recent initiatives suggests that medication mightn’t be the answer for the escalating problem. In this literature review, I will consider whether the use of medication is a promising approach for solving the childhood obesity problem by responding to the following questions: 1. What are the implications of childhood obesity? 2. Is medication effective at treating childhood obesity? 3. Is medication safe for children? 4. Is medication the best solution? Understanding the limitations of medical treatments for children highlights the complexity of the childhood obesity problem in the United States and underscores the need for physicians, advocacy groups, and policymakers to search for other solutions. What Are the Implications of Childhood Obesity? Obesity can be a devastating problem from both...

Words: 1354 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Why Television Is Ok for Children

...19, 2011 Why Television is OK for Children The views about children and television all seem to point to television being bad for children. According to Rose Bachtel text “Television: Destroying Childhood”, watching television does not allow children the exercise that they need to keep their bodies in shape and can lead to health problems (Bachtel, 2010). But also according to two visual sources, watching too much seems to be the main problem with childhood obesity because children eat bad foods as they watch television (Giany, 2010), (Perez, 2006). But if parents monitor more of their kids’ television time, maybe obesity would not be such a huge problem. In the text by Bachtel, it was an essay in which she describes that “times have changed” (Bachtel, 2010). Back when she was younger, and when most of us were also, we played outside most of the time. But today with so many types of entertainment, for example, TV, video games, and computers, kids do not want to go outside. Many kids today are considered latch key kids so when they get home from school they have to stay indoors. So of course they are going to watch television. Then as they are watching TV, they are going to want to eat a snack. This in turn is causing less exercise in children, which can cause obesity. The essay also states that if there were no televisions in the home, there would be no choice to get outside more and would not be able to just sit around and eat junk food (Bachtel, 2010). Another text article...

Words: 1055 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Assessing Population Health

...Assessing Population Health Introduction: This essay is about assessing a community profile of Lewisham population. The health issue to be discussed is childhood obesity in Lewisham Borough. The essay will define population health, and give a brief overview of childhood obesity. It will give the rationale why the writer decided to write on this issue. The essay will describe the population, and explain briefly why it is important. It will explore the factors that influence this particular population including geographical location, neighbourhood, educational attainment, family members, peer groups, social economic factors and culture as well as ethnicity. It will critically discuss the health profile of the population group and exploring the factors that lie beneath the profile. More importantly, the essay will analyse the main factors that influence the contemporary health of the given population in relation the determinants of health of the population health as well as the indicators of the population's risk and morbidity rates. It will look at the health needs of the population and examine the external and internal factors that could influence their behaviours and choice. It will make conclusion and recommendations on how to improve this health issue and enable the writer to understand the subject in great depth. The primary reason why the writer has chosen to focus on childhood obesity is because she wants to meet the learning outcomes of the module in order...

Words: 2530 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Child Obesity

...------------------------------------------------- Cause & Effect Essay ------------------------------------------------- Diana Diaz Mr. Radcliff- Comm 105. 8/12/10 The Leading Causes Of Childhood Obesity When a child is above normal weight for his or her age, a child can be considered obese. According to The Center of Disease control one of seven children is obese (CDC, 2010). Children who have an obesity problem suffer from being rejected and teased at school by other children. Obesity contributes to physical and psychological issues in children; there are several causes leading to child hood obesity. One of the causes of childhood obesity is the lack of exercise. Children rather stay at home and play videogames instead of going outside and exercise. Because technology has advanced so much, T.V. has become a priority in a child’s life. Sports and outdoor games are not an option for children any more, when they can just stay home and watch their favorite show on T.V. show or even play video games that stimulate their mind. The use of electronic devices in children such as using the computer, watching T.V. and playing video games has influenced children to leave outdoor activities. Children are not thinking about their looks or staying healthy, they are becoming sedentary because all the technology that they can use to keep them occupied. Eating too much causes childhood obesity. Children who stay at home get bored and start snacking much more, most of the...

Words: 754 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Food Papaer

...Obesity: The Killer of Our Youth? An Explanatory Essay Giovanni Atkins Goldey-Beacom College Obesity: The Killer of Our Youth An Explanatory Essay Everyday across the country, children practice unhealthy eating habits. Throughout the day they indulge in fatty foods that greatly affect their health, especially during school lunch. Schools lunches normally consist of quick and easy options like pizza, chips, soda, etc., all foods that when eaten regularly can lead to serious health problems. Children are prone to these eating habits everywhere and have learned from school. It’s for reasons like this that obesity in children has doubled in the last 25 years. What was once known, as Adult-Onset Diabetes is now common within our youth and caused from childhood obesity. An article from USATOADAY titled “Unhealthy Risks for Kids Tip Scale” explains this, also going into detail about the debate between enforcing healthy lunches for students and keeping junk food in schools. Though fattening foods may be easily prepared, is the timing really worth the lives of our kids? Could a healthier diet at school make for a healthier lifestyle? These questions need answers. Let us begin. In order to get something accomplished, you must involve the government. An article from the Washington Post titled “Junk Food Widely Available at U.S Elementary Schools Despite Anti- Obesity Push” explains this and how federal regulation is necessary in order to enforce healthier school lunches. With...

Words: 1668 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Communication and Information Literacy : Expository Essay

...Communication and Information Literacy Expository Essay The choice to fight obesity is a life altering decision. Fighting obesity can be a struggle but is worth it in the long run. Exercise is a great way to lower obesity because it is convenient, everyone can participate, and it can reduce health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past thirty years. Today more than 23 million U.S. children and adolescents are either obese or overweight (Green, Riley, & Hargrove, 2012). The only way to fight obesity is to do something about it! Exercise is a great way to lower childhood obesity in the United States because it can be done as a family and lowers health problems. Exercise can be done almost anywhere, thus making it convenient. The use of a treadmill or dumbbells doesn’t constitute as exercise. According to the Encyclopedia of Human Development (2006), exercise is “sustained activity over a period of time that utilizes and strengthens the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.” Therefore, exercise can be as simple as riding your bike or running around the backyard. Since the use of workout equipment, such as a stair stepper, is not essential to exercise everyone can participate. It is very important for children to get outside and play. You as a parent can help to encourage activity by challenging your child to a race or taking them to the park. Exercise doesn’t have to...

Words: 537 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity

...Childhood Obesity Mickey Mouse Effective Essay Writing / COM150 7/21/2013 David Carson Childhood Obesity The United States of America has become the most overweight country in the world for a vast array of reasons. Many adults have become obese over the last few decades; however, childhood obesity is an area everyone must pay particular attention to. The number of children affected by obesity is growing at an alarming rate; however it is a treatable and preventable condition. What is obesity? Simply put, obesity is classified as a condition an individual has when they have a large amount of excess body fat. Children’s body fat is measured on the Body Mass Index (BMI). Pediatricians use growth charts to determine a child’s BMI. If the child is between the 5th and 85th percentile they are considered a healthy weight. If the child is between the 85th and the 94th percentile they are considered overweight. Anything above 95 percent is considered obese. Although the statistics of obesity are at all-time high, it is not something that happened overnight. How did we get here? Brown (2013), “Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963.” (para. 1). The number is even bigger in children born of Hispanic and African-American ethnicity. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (2013), forty percent of kids living in those minority groups are overweight. This leaves many adults to wonder why that...

Words: 1004 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Obesity

...The purpose of this essay is review the strategies that are aimed at either preventing obesity or decreasing the burden of health related issues caused by obesity that currently exists within Australia. Obesity is identified as one of the Australia’s National Health Priority areas. Globally obesity ranks as the fifth leading cause of mortality. Obesity is also a major contributor to the burden of diabetes at 44%, ischaemic heart disease at 23% and around 7 to 41% for certain cancers.1 In this essay I will be focusing on childhood obesity, where it is estimated that in 2010, 43 million children under the age of 5 years will be categorised as being overweight or obese.1 Queensland unfortunately has the highest rate of obesity within Australia at around 18.5% of the population. Of which 19 to 24% of Australian school age children are overweight or obese.2 Whilst researching this issue I came across Bowen Athletics Club who investigated the influence of improving food choices in their canteen had on their members. Many of their strategies incorporated initiatives that had been tabled within the Eat Well Queensland project, which looked at Social Determinants of health, productivity and cooperation from local and state governments and non-government agencies. I will then conclude that based on evidenced sourced that the actions and strategies that the Bowen Athletics Club used seemed sufficient enough in changing attitudes and behaviours of it’s members. Obesity is caused by an increase...

Words: 3407 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Obesity

...There is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity in Australia and also worldwide. The prevalence of obesity has doubled to 65% of the world’s population live in countries where obesity and overweight kills more people than underweight does (WHO, 2011). Obese children are more likely to have health problems throughout their childhood, these health issues are associated with long-term health consequences to which the economic costs are enormous (Swinburn, 2008). Obesity in childhood is frequently tracked into adulthood, this is clearly a major contributor for the adulthood epidemic. Interventions and preventions have become key strategies in reducing the impact of childhood obesity. Through national and international health promotions, promoting healthy eating and physical activity in environments that reduce childhood obesity. The rapid increase of childhood obesity not only is it a burden on psychological, physical but also socially (Deckelbaum & Williams, 2005). Health care professionals such as nurses’ play a very important role in the prevention or management of obesity. Nurses’ can research current evidence in health promotions to find the best program for different populations by providing support and management of their illness (Bluford, Sherry & Scanlon, 2007). Throughout this is essay all these points will be discussed in more detail. Obesity and overweight have been defined as an excess or abnormal fat accumulation that may impair health within children and adults...

Words: 2245 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity

...Public Health Issue: Childhood Obesity Anna Walker, the Healthcare Commission Chief Executive explained that "Childhood obesity is a serious health problem that can follow people much later into life. It is a causal factor in a number of chronic diseases and conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes” (Audit Commission 2006). The World Health Organisation, describes obesity as having “reached global epidemic proportions, with more than 1.6 billion adults overweight, at least 400 million of those clinically obese” (WHO 2005). In England, the Department of Health (DH), states that almost “1 in 4 adults are currently obese and projects that 9 in 10 adults will either be overweight or obese if this issue is not addressed.” Obesity is therefore an important public health issue and this essay will focus on childhood obesity as a Parliament report states that overweight children and adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, it also implies more public resources over a longer time period. If obesity carries on into adulthood, in a hospital setting, the patient’s weight can have an impact on the health of NHS staff, as is already being noted by Unions (Mansfield, 2007). Epidemiology will be used to examine childhood obesity in children aged 2 to 10 within England and the relevant policies implemented in an attempt to reduce this ‘epidemic.’ The role of the nurse in helping to tackle the nationwide problem will also...

Words: 2218 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity

...Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 Childhood Obesity Diane Troche English 122 Prof. Yanessa Page September 11, 2012 1 1. Childhood Obesity Diane Troche... Good job with organizing the contents of your title page and running head according to APA format! Perfect! [TA King] [YaShekia King] -1- Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY While we were growing up our parents and grandparents had time to cook us healthy and wholesome meals, but due to the changes in the times that is not the case anymore and the percentage of children with childhood obesity has increased dramatically. Childhood obesity is it genetic or is it a sign of the times that as parents are we too consumed or overwhelmed with work, school, and financial responsibilities that there is not enough time in a day to properly prepare a wholesome and healthy meals? Many people in today’s society would like to blame it on genetics but they often overlook the aspects of parental influence and family structure. 3 2 1 2 1. While Good job with this topic sentence! This paragraph contains a topic sentence that gives the paper direction, sets up the rest of the paragraph, and connects back to the thesis. Note though that the writing needs to be objective and impersonal and in the third person unless otherwise stated in the assignment guidelines, per APA style. [TA King] [YaShekia King] 2. structure. Your introduction is well done! It includes a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your paper will be...

Words: 2048 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Financial Account

...1 POPULAR CULTURE ESSAY Popular Culture Essay Racquel Gibbs English 101-142 Prof: Marten – Miller 2 POPULAR CULTURE ESSAY Racquel Gibbs English 101-142 Prof: Marten – Miller In society today there are many forms of popular cultures that have a compelling impact on our ideals, norms, attitudes and values of the world. Childhood obesity is a major contemporary epidemic in low-income communities. Some reasons for this infectious disease are lack of essential resources in underprivileged communities, unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise, and Lack of education and healthcare. These are some of the struggles that neighborhoods face today. Many neighborhoods are lacking essential resources that contribute to living a healthy life. A large percentage of low-income environments are suffering from deprivation and unfortunately they are overeating. In addition, people have limited access to healthcare where they can learn through literature and professionals about children being overweight and the proper steps that need to be taken to correct this matter. Due to economic strain these families are struggling to provide food in general, but because their funds only allow them but so much it cause worse eating habits, plus there is lack exercising too. The underserved communities have a variety of fast food restaurants to eat from however; they do not have a variation of fresh produce markets available. If there are available retailers, the price for 3 POPULAR...

Words: 531 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Defeating Child Obesity

...Child obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or wellbeing. The cause of childhood obesity are spread out, and certain factors to this epidemic include lack of physical activity and dietary patterns. Changing eating and physical activity in children with the use of nutritional guides, work out DVDs and proactive parents can assist in decreasing child obesity (Ryder, 2011). Child Obesity is determined through BMI, body mass index. Children over age 2, or teens whose BMI is less than the 5th percentile are considered underweight. A child that ranges in the 5th percentile and less than the 85th percentile are at a healthy weight. In the 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile are considered overweight. Equal to, or greater than the 95th percentile are considered obese. Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. One major contributor to a child’s diet that affects their weight is beverages that include soda and juice boxes. The consumption of soda by children has increased throughout the last 20 years by 300 percent. Scientific studies have documented a 60 percent increase risk of obesity for every regular soda consumed per day. With the growing use of computers, and watching TV this is a big contributing factor as well that contributes to child obesity. We find that these activities take away the physical activity that children need to stay healthy. Sedentary...

Words: 2290 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity

...Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 Childhood Obesity Diane Troche English 122 Prof. Yanessa Page September 11, 2012 1 1. Childhood Obesity Diane Troche... Good job with organizing the contents of your title page and running head according to APA format! Perfect! [TA King] [YaShekia King] -1- Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY While we were growing up our parents and grandparents had time to cook us healthy and wholesome meals, but due to the changes in the times that is not the case anymore and the percentage of children with childhood obesity has increased dramatically. Childhood obesity is it genetic or is it a sign of the times that as parents are we too consumed or overwhelmed with work, school, and financial responsibilities that there is not enough time in a day to properly prepare a wholesome and healthy meals? Many people in today’s society would like to blame it on genetics but they often overlook the aspects of parental influence and family structure. 3 2 1 2 1. While Good job with this topic sentence! This paragraph contains a topic sentence that gives the paper direction, sets up the rest of the paragraph, and connects back to the thesis. Note though that the writing needs to be objective and impersonal and in the third person unless otherwise stated in the assignment guidelines, per APA style. [TA King] [YaShekia King] 2. structure. Your introduction is well done! It includes a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your paper will be...

Words: 2048 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Letter to the Editor, an Article

...In the article, “First Lady Proposes Bon on Junk Food Marketing in Schools” from nbcnews.com states that Michelle Obama is against fast food advertising in school campuses. “Our classroom should be healthy places where kids are not bombarded with ads for junk food”, where her exact words in the white house. School should be a place where kids study and interact with healthy and educational material and not a marketing place for junk food companies. “If you can’t sell it, you ought not to be able to market it”, said U.S. Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack mentions as well that there are hundreds of millions of dollars spend a year in just marketing foods and drinks to kids in school. I strongly believe that all this should be banned since advertising persuades kids to buy more junk food and that is unhealthy for kids especially since kids spend forty hours in school a week. Mrs. Obama does right in proposing that junk food advertising should be banned from school, as I grew up most kids around me in school were not overweight but this was in the early 2000’s. However now things are very different, as I drive by school I see many kids who are eagerly eating unhealthy food such as chips and the bad thing is as they’re coming out of school, most of these children seem overweight. Sincerely, Juan Morales Juancm.03@gmail.com Reference page First Lady Proposes Ban on Junk Food Marketing in Schools - NBC News. (n.d.). NBC News. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://www...

Words: 621 - Pages: 3