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Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity – One Size Does Not Fit All

Alison Namba

English 201
Professor Paula Sebastian
December 3, 2006

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Outline
Thesis: Eating habits and activity lifestyles have dramatically declined in the last fifty years, therefore, every institution and individual should be doing his or her part to combat the war against obesity.

I. Obesity defined from the Webster's dictionary.
A. Statistics about obesity and how it is affecting our society.
B. The difference between obesity and being overweight.
C. How to calculate an individual's Body Mass Index (BMI).
II. The history of Americans and our change of weight during the last few decades.
A. Statistics on average man/woman.
B. Important factors and statistics that have changed over the years.
III. Cause of obesity in America
A. Behaviorial – Due to the lack of time and money, kids often follow whatever options are given to them by their parents.
B. Socio-economics - Where people live and work has an impact on what is consumed.
C. Environment – Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors impact how kids are influenced and sold on certain products.
D. The inability to get the recommended amount of sleep during the night.
E. How convenient fast food has become, and the limitation of healthy food.
IV. Effects of obesity in America
A. The type of health conditions that arise from being obese or overweight.
V. Prevention of obesity – what can I/we do?
A. Ideas on how an individual may prevent the spread of obesity.
B. How the Federal government and communities can take action.
VI. Conclusion – An epidemic of large proportions.
A. Everyone must take a stand against obesity, otherwise, it will lead to deplorable or deadly consequences.
Namba 1
Childhood Obesity – One Size Does Not Fit All
At the age of 10, Benji weighed in at 140 lbs, which was approximately double his calculated ideal weight. At the clinic, the nurse learned Benji spent three hours watching television each day...