...AP Photo/LisA BiLLings Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 w w w.americanprogress.org Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 Contents 1 Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity 3 Introduction and summary 6 Provisions included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that address childhood obesity 6 Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project 7 Nutrition labeling 7 Community Transformation Grants 9 Broader measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to tackle childhood obesity 9 Prevention and public health 15 Primary care and coordination 18 Community-based Care 20 Maternal and child health 22 Research: Doing what works in obesity prevention 23 Data provisions that will help with tracking and providing improved outcomes to measure obesity prevention 25 What else is needed? 27 Beyond health care 29 Conclusion 30 Appendix: The White House Childhood Obesity Initiative 32 Endnotes 34 About the authors Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity Our nation’s children today are on track to have a lower life expectancy than their parents The obesity epidemic poses serious health problems for children including cardiovascular disease, mental...
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...Substantial Contribution to Childhood Obesity? Is the Food Stamp Program a Substantial Contribution to Childhood Obesity? Introduction Is the rising rate of childhood obesity within the United States affected by the food stamp program? This is the question that formulated the basis of my research. Looking at the rising statistics of obesity rates within America’s youth and researching why the weight of the United States community is significantly passing those of its surrounding countries. In researching this topic I hope to determine if the food stamp program is in any way responsible for this increasing health issue. As the years progress the health of today’s youth is rapidly decreasing. Although the lacks of exercise and poor food influences serve as a high influence on this issue, researching this topic has shown that the food stamp program has helped contribute to the issue at hand. Presenting Argument and Supportive Research To be classified as an overweight child, the body mass index is in the 85th percentile and the ratio of weight to height is unhealthy (Baun, 2011 p. 623). This number has increased drastically among America’s youth over the past decade. As obesity increases among youth, there is a decrease in physical activity as well as healthy eating habits. Healthy eating choices are the focus of my research, as I concentrate on the eating habits of children participating in America’s Food stamp Program. The heaviest children today are significantly heavier...
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...Running head: Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society 1 Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society Elizabeth Widmeyer Western Governors University Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society 2 Childhood Obesity in America: A Super-sized Problem That Plagues Our Society Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in America's society that is having an astronomical impact on the health of our children and our health care system. But, what exactly does it mean to label a child obese? According to Mayo Clinic (2014) “Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat.” Body fat is measured using the body mass index (BMI). A child's BMI is calculated by dividing their height by their weight. The calculation would then be graphed with their age in months to determine their growth percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). A child is considered obese if they are in the 95th percentile or higher . A child who falls in the 85th - 95th is considered overweight and is at risk of becoming obese (KidsHealth, n.d.). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014) there are 12.5 million Americans between the ages of 2 to 19 that are obese. Race, physical activity level and eating habits are three main components that can lead to obesity in children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...
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...There is an epidemic in America and it is called “Childhood Obesity.” “Obese,” from the Latin word “obesus,” means “grow fat by eating.” (Dalton, 2004) This term’s origin suggests that overeating is the major cause of the obesity epidemic. Teaching obese children to eat less is essential. But modifying behavior is no simple task, and eating too much is not the sole cause of obesity. Other factors play a role and must be understood in order to reverse this epidemic and produce healthier children. The growing number of obese children in America are victims of an epidemic just as surely as if they were infected by a virus. Americans tend to think of an epidemic as an outbreak of a contagious illness. But to physicians the sudden increase in obesity rates that have occurred in the twentieth century is every bit as unexpected as an outbreak of a new infectious disease and has triggered an alarm that might greet the rising of polio. Julie Gerberding, the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the fall of 2003, declared obesity the number one health threat facing America. (Okie, 2005) The causes (nature) of this epidemic are complex and include genetic, biological and behavioral factors. These include, but are not limited to poor eating habits, overeating, the lack of exercise, family history of obesity, cardiac, endocrine or neurological problems, life changing events or stress, along with family or peer problems and low self-esteem or emotional...
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...MEMORANDUM TO: Sylvia Mathews Burwell, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service FROM: Tiffany Hunter, Health Services Administrator, Intern SUBJECT: Childhood Obesity in America DATE: October 30, 2015 Childhood obesity is a driving force in the deterioration of health in adulthood. For the first time, the next generation of Americans conceivably will be the the first to have shorter, more disease prone, and less healthy lives than their parents. Obesity in America’s children has tripled since 1980, and current research suggests that one-third of children aged two and older are already overweight or obese. (Russell, Sekhar, & Whelan, 2010) Being overweight was at one time considered something that a child would outgrow. However, that is no longer the case. In the twentieth century, through medical research, it was revealed that children who suffered from obesity were susceptible to a lifetime of various health concerns. A child who carries superfluous weight is at risk for illnesses ranging from asthma to cardiovascular disease. In short, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Childhood obesity is intricate in its complexity because it has multiple influences, including: biological, behavioral, societal, economic, and environmental, which together have shaped an atmosphere in which it has become difficult to sustain a healthy body weight. These environments are categorized by: * The influx in the number of American families having...
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...Running head: AMERICA'S AFFLUENCE AND OBESITY America's Affluence and Obesity Cassandra L Thomas American Intercontinental University Abstract The problem of obesity in America has risen to epidemic levels. Congress in 2002 charged the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to find ways to prevent this epidemic. The IOM appointed nineteen experts to handle this issue, experts in health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and public health. It has been determined that it is not just up to Congress but also the individual. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity:" 2005). This paper will take a look at how the affluence of America plays a part in this epidemic. (I.O.M 2004). America's Affluence and Obesity America’s Affluence and Obesity Since the beginning of America, folks have lived off the land. Vegetables, fruits were grown on lands free from pesticides and fertilizers. Animals used for food were allowed to eat what the land offered. People grew vegetable gardens, and traded with each other. They made their own preserves, from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods were in great abundance and there was very little waste. Then there came an educated generation that had no use or respect for the land. New Generation This new educated generation, felt they were much too educated to work the land, they went after the dollar, it became all about making money. Money to buy bigger houses, bigger cars, lusting the glamour, and glitter of Hollywood. The world became aware...
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...ISSUE REPORT F as in Fat: HOW OBESITY THREATENS AMERICA’S FUTURE 2010 JUNE 2010 PREVENTING EPIDEMICS. PROTECTING PEOPLE. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TRUST FOR AMERICA’S HEALTH IS A NON-PROFIT, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO SAVING LIVES AND MAKING DISEASE PREVENTION A NATIONAL PRIORITY. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. Helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need—the Foundation expects to make a difference in our lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org. TFAH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lowell Weicker, Jr. President Former three-term U.S. Senator and Governor of Connecticut Cynthia M. Harris, PhD, DABT Vice President Director and Associate Professor Institute of Public Health, Florida A & M University Robert T. Harris, MD Secretary Former Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Healthcare BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina John W. Everets Treasurer Gail Christopher, DN Vice President for Health WK Kellogg...
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...Why have Americans become so obese? Obesity is a struggle among every country in the world. Obesity is when a person is 20 percent above what is supposed to be their normal weight. Obesity is so difficult to get rid of in countries that it is classified as a disease. The country that is greatest known for their obesity rates is the United States of America. Even though America is not the most obese country in the world, America is known for their fast food restaurants severely overweight people. Despite America being one of the most obese countries, no one ever asks the real question. Why have Americans become so obese? The most obviously popular reason why Americans are obese is because of food. The first type of food to relate to obesity is fast food. McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and many other fast food restaurants load their food with sugar, cholesterol and other unhealthy substances that make people crave it. McDonald’s burgers are severely unhealthier than a homemade burger. A McDonald’s burger has 440 calories, 23 grams of fat, 80 milligrams of cholesterol, 1150 milligrams of sodium and 34 carbohydrates. (McDonald's). A homemade burger has about 270 calories, 9 grams of fat, 142 milligrams of cholesterol, 123 milligrams of sodium and about 9 carbohydrates (Health). McDonald's makes their foods unnecessarily unhealthy. Another problem with Americans food problems is that their portions are completely outrageous. The default portion sizes are Small, Medium and large...
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...People who lie to themselves about investing are the same as overweight people who blame their genes for their obesity.” Note#2 While Many people see obesity as a minor problem, People should be properly educated on obesity because It causes serious risk to your health, Children become part of the problem,mainly because they can't control what they consume, and It is a problem worldwide. My topic is on obesity which is pretty much self explanatory. Obesity is what some of the doctors call as the “New American Epidemic”. Obesity is, easily, one of america's fastest growing health concern, that not only affects adults but also children. It is also estimated that eight out of ten people over the age of twentyfive are overweight. Note#3 My topic matters mainly because it is a major problem in my community and worldwide. Also, many people don’t take this problem serious enough which is why it is a rapid growing health concern. Note#4 Many people see obesity as a minor problem, I see it as a major problem that is actually not just in the america’s but is also a problem worldwide. For example, worldwide obesity has more than doubled since the 1980’s. Also, most of the world’s population lives in countries where being overweight and obese kills more people than being underweight. Note#5 Second many people should be properly educated on obesity because of the major health problems that it develops. For example, being obese could lead to Type 2 diabetes(also ...
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...Running head: PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN 1 Preventing Obesity in Children Ashley Walker Professor Avalos English 102 28 August 2009 APA Sample Paper 6th Edition [Universities may ask for other information on this page, i.e. college name, etc. Always check your class syllabus for this information or see APA Publication Manual 6th Edition] Running head: PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Abstract Obesity is a recent health epidemic that has dire consequences for America’s health, especially for its children. The causes contributing to this epidemic include sedentary life styles, caloric intake, and major changes in the eating patterns of American families. Among these changes in eating habits is the amount of food Americans consume, how often they consume those foods, and the types of foods themselves. 2 Top Margin 1 in. Header & Page # 1 in. Running head: PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Preventing Obesity in Children Americans are the fattest people on the planet and continue to expand. According to a 3 survey of adult men and women in the United States during 1999-2000, published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 30.5% of Americans are obese, up from 22.9% ten years earlier, and nearly two-thirds (64.5%) are overweight (Flegal, Ogden, & Johnson, 2002). Excess weight isn’t just a matter of looks. Obesity magnifies the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments thus overtaking tobacco as the...
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...Why have Americans become so obese? Obesity is a struggle among every country in the world. Obesity is when a person is 20 percent above what is supposed to be their normal weight. Obesity is so difficult to get rid of in countries that it is classified as a disease. The country that is greatest known for their obesity rates is the United States of America. Even though America is not the most obese country in the world, America is known for their fast food restaurants severely overweight people. Despite America being one of the most obese countries, no one ever asks the real question. Why have Americans become so obese? The most obviously popular reason why Americans are obese is because of food. The first type of food to relate to obesity is fast food. McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and many other fast food restaurants load their food with sugar, cholesterol and other unhealthy substances that make people crave it. McDonald’s burgers are severely unhealthier than a homemade burger. A McDonald’s burger has 440 calories, 23 grams of fat, 80 milligrams of cholesterol, 1150 milligrams of sodium and 34 carbohydrates. (McDonald's). A homemade burger has about 270 calories, 9 grams of fat, 142 milligrams of cholesterol, 123 milligrams of sodium and about 9 carbohydrates (Health). McDonald's makes their foods unnecessarily unhealthy. Another problem with Americans food problems is that their portions are completely outrageous. The default portion sizes are Small, Medium and large...
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...Rethinking How America’s Children Packed on the Pounds In the essay by Jeffrey Kluger “How America’s Children Packed on the Pounds” he focused on America’s problem with food and over the year how it has gotten worse. In just a short period of time how obesity has increased. This problem has more than just weight problems it has health problems. He also states that over the years that the calories count that people are consuming has increase but the exercise rate has decrease. He argues that people have tried to make people aware of this problem and it works for a few years. By the statics information that Kluger has provided, Kluger correctly assumes that food this day in age is a huge problem for everybody not just children and it needs awareness. Kluger used different statics thought his essay to show in a short period of time how obesity had increased over the years. That it is a problem and people needs to know. Kluger admits that “in 1971 only 4% of 6-11 year old kids were obese” and by “2004, the figure had leaped to 18.8%.” He also stated other age groups like “in the same time frame, the number rose from 6.1% to 17.4% in the 12 to 19 age group, and from 5% to 13.9% among kids ages just 2 to 5.” This statics show that over a 33 year time the numbers double for children 19 years of age and younger. Just living in today world and thinking about all the all changes that has happened over the years to make food and drinks bigger because that is what American’s want...
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...A Sedentary Lifestyle Becomes Risk Of Obesity Bracky D. Wyckoff DeVry University A Sedentary Lifestyle Becomes Risk Of Obesity Obesity is a recent health epidemic that has dire consequences for America’s health, especially for its children. Humans are made to be physically active and not indolent, which is known to have a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle is a lifestyle with inadequate or infrequent physical activities. The primary reason why Americans are obese includes, lack of exercise, and low self-esteem. Which can be prevented with frequent exercise and healthy diet. Many have blamed the rise in obesity on a more sedentary lifestyle, including the move to suburbs, where people drive instead of walk, and increased viewing of television. One study of children watching television found a significant drop in the average metabolic rate during viewing. There is little doubt that children who exercise less tend to weigh more, but the couch potato argument does not explain why the enormous weight gains have occurred over the past twenty-five years. The move to the suburbs and the widespread viewing of television began in the 1950’s. Furthermore, the couch potato argument neglects the extraordinary rise of female participation in athletics. The number of young women playing a sport in high school has risen almost tenfold, yet girls, like boys, have gained weight. A distinct reason for obesity is low self-esteem. People with sedentary lifestyles...
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...PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Preventing Obesity in Children Kindra Henderson Kristen Scott English Comp. PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Obesity is a recent health epidemic that has dire consequences for America’s health, especially for its children. The causes contributing to this epidemic include sedentary life styles, caloric intake, and major changes in the eating patterns of American families. Among these changes in eating habits is the amount of food Americans consume, how often they consume those foods, and the types of foods themselves. Preventing Obesity in Children: Americans are the fattest people on the planet and continue to expand. According to a survey of adult men and women in the United States during 1999-2000, published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 30.5% of Americans are obese, up from 22.9% ten years earlier, and nearly two-thirds (64.5%) are overweight (Flegal, Ogden, & Johnson, 2002). Excess weight isn’t just a matter of looks. Obesity magnifies the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments thus overtaking tobacco as the leading cause of chronic illness (Brownell & Horgen, 2004, p. 4). An especially disturbing aspect of this trend is that children are increasingly obese. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2002) reports that the percentage of obese children aged 6 to 11 almost quadrupled from 4% in 1974 to 15% in 2000, and the percentage of obese children aged...
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...In December of 2013, The World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed a consultation on improving the measurement of quality of maternal, newborn, and child care in health facilities. This annual report proposed 19 core indicators for reporting on the quality of MNHC care in nations around the globe. While some key interventions have increased over the past decade, little progress has been made in the quality of care in some health care facilities around the world. The amount of health care coverage provided to mothers, newborns, and children in low income nations is very minimal compared to high income nations particularly in the United States where health care and food programs have been implemented to help the poor and create a better chance of survival among women and children. This gap of inequality in health care contributes to the 289,00 women who die each year due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth and the 6.6 million children who die of birth complications and childhood diseases before the age of 5. The need for more established...
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