Childhood Obesity
Childhood Obesity: Environmental Effects
Darren Thomas
ENG Composition II
Instructor: Angie Temple
March 5, 2012
Childhood Obesity: Environmental Effects The future of the country is in danger. There is an unseen attack on society that threatens to shorten the lifespan of Americans from all walks of life. No one is exempt. No one is immune. This problem is so real that the first lady of the United States has gotten involved.
Childhood obesity in America is growing at an alarming rate. In 2011, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between years 1980 and 2008, childhood obesity increased tremendously. In children aged 6 to 11 years old, childhood obesity increased from 7% to nearly 20%. Just as astonishing, were the obesity rates for adolescence children during that same period. In adolescent children aged 12 to 19, obesity rates rose from 5% to 18%. That is more than 3 times the rate in almost 30 years (CDC, 2011). Most people understand the concept of obesity. Basically, the amount of calories you consume far outweighs the amount of calories you burn off. Sounds easy, but if that is true, then why are kids these days, which are supposedly stronger and faster than we were at their age, so overweight. Some would argue that genetics is a major reason for childhood obesity. Others would say that it is a socioeconomic problem. Research will show that there are non-medical, self induced environmental factors that contribute to childhood obesity, the immediate and long term effects of childhood obesity and possible solutions to combat childhood obesity and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Our environment has a tremendous effect on the way we see the world. As a child, we are influenced by the actions of our parents. The way we think, act and respond to different situations is a direct reflection of our upbringing. Whether we meet the issues of our life head on or find ways to pacify or postpone stressing situations can play a major role
Darren Thomas
ENG Composition II
Instructor: Angie Temple
March 5, 2012
Childhood Obesity: Environmental Effects The future of the country is in danger. There is an unseen attack on society that threatens to shorten the lifespan of Americans from all walks of life. No one is exempt. No one is immune. This problem is so real that the first lady of the United States has gotten involved.
Childhood obesity in America is growing at an alarming rate. In 2011, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between years 1980 and 2008, childhood obesity increased tremendously. In children aged 6 to 11 years old, childhood obesity increased from 7% to nearly 20%. Just as astonishing, were the obesity rates for adolescence children during that same period. In adolescent children aged 12 to 19, obesity rates rose from 5% to 18%. That is more than 3 times the rate in almost 30 years (CDC, 2011). Most people understand the concept of obesity. Basically, the amount of calories you consume far outweighs the amount of calories you burn off. Sounds easy, but if that is true, then why are kids these days, which are supposedly stronger and faster than we were at their age, so overweight. Some would argue that genetics is a major reason for childhood obesity. Others would say that it is a socioeconomic problem. Research will show that there are non-medical, self induced environmental factors that contribute to childhood obesity, the immediate and long term effects of childhood obesity and possible solutions to combat childhood obesity and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Our environment has a tremendous effect on the way we see the world. As a child, we are influenced by the actions of our parents. The way we think, act and respond to different situations is a direct reflection of our upbringing. Whether we meet the issues of our life head on or find ways to pacify or postpone stressing situations can play a major role
References: (CDC, 2011) retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm (American Society of Nutrition, 2011 introduction para (CDC, 2011) retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/children.html. (CDC, 2011) http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm (NSW Department of Education and Training, 2011) http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/primary/pdhpe/phc/nut002.htm (CDC, 2011) http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/index.html.