ifestyles through Policy Changes that Act as Incentives Towards Parents.
Promoting Healthy LStatistics have shown that through the past decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity. In today’s society, there is not much of a question of whether or not this is a bad thing for our nation. It is agreed upon that obesity, especially in our youth, is unhealthy and unwanted. The fight of childhood obesity within our nation consists of how to stop it and how far our government should be involved with the children suffering of childhood obesity.
First of all some people may not understand the importance of the prevention of childhood obesity and overweight prevention. The initial reasons are obvious. Overweight children are often excluded from friend groups and activities because of the way they look. Both overweight and healthy children do not have fully developed manners or morals so there is a large chance of bullying and emotional stress. Through pre-school a lot of child interaction is through physical activity whether it be recess or play-time. If overweight children choose to exclude themselves from these activities, they can subject themselves to loneliness which can cause depression. Another problem is that childhood obesity has a positive correlation to puberty occurring in younger ages. Going through puberty at a younger age exposes numerous behavioral and psychological problems that can inhibit mental growth and stability. The hormones developed through puberty have a negative effect on the pre-mature brain.
The government can also play a large role in the prevention of childhood obesity and overweight rates. There are tons of programs, regulations, and policies that can be implemented to help fight these increasing rates. All of these include changes in education, food advertising, food assistance programs, health care, taxes, and policy development. Attacking and changing policies in these areas are the most effective strategies that can be implemented by the government. The most challenging and potent wall that is faced is that the programs, regulations, and policies that are implemented cannot force parents to purchase healthier foods or make children exercise. Unfortunately, some parents will ignore recommendations and pay for the cheaper junk food because they are less expensive and they like the taste. These factors all contribute to the lack of funds that would enhance the programs and actions by our government. Because of that limiting factor, I believe it is necessary to change our government’s focus on the parents and their views.
The root of this problem is at the parental level. Once a couple has a child, it is their responsibility, as parents, to care for their child and to keep them healthy and well-mannered. Wouldn’t it make sense that choosing healthy foods for your child to consume and promoting active lifestyles be included in this category? Parents have the number one say in what their child does or eats so it makes sense that to help fix this problem, parents must get on board with childhood obesity and overweight prevention. Adjusting food prices could help the parents who are living near poverty as well. It is much easier to purchase a meal off the dollar menu from McDonald’s rather than to purchase a nutritious meal along with a salad from a medium-class or fancy restaurant. By creating an after school program in areas with a large history of childhood obesity and overweight cases, the children can consume food provided by the after school program and participate in physical activities. This helps the financial load on the parents by supplying children with healthy alternatives after school rather than sitting on the couch eating junk food and watching television.
Much like any national problems, it will likely be impossible to abolish all cases of childhood obesity. However, will proper funding and moves from the government with the correct implementation and focus points, it is possible to hinder the growth of these cases and start a trend in the opposite direction.
About the Author:
David Wilkinson is a Mechanical Engineer major at the University of Maryland College Park. He has participated and help lead many physical activity programs and is an avid supporter of maintaining healthy lifestyles.
First of all some people may not understand the importance of the prevention of childhood obesity and overweight prevention. The initial reasons are obvious. Overweight children are often excluded from friend groups and activities because of the way they look. Both overweight and healthy children do not have fully developed manners or morals so there is a large chance of bullying and emotional stress. Through pre-school a lot of child interaction is through physical activity whether it be recess or play-time. If overweight children choose to exclude themselves from these activities, they can subject themselves to loneliness which can cause depression. Another problem is that childhood obesity has a positive correlation to puberty occurring in younger ages. Going through puberty at a younger age exposes numerous behavioral and psychological problems that can inhibit mental growth and stability. The hormones developed through puberty have a negative effect on the pre-mature brain.
The government can also play a large role in the prevention of childhood obesity and overweight rates. There are tons of programs, regulations, and policies that can be implemented to help fight these increasing rates. All of these include changes in education, food advertising, food assistance programs, health care, taxes, and policy development. Attacking and changing policies in these areas are the most effective strategies that can be implemented by the government. The most challenging and potent wall that is faced is that the programs, regulations, and policies that are implemented cannot force parents to purchase healthier foods or make children exercise. Unfortunately, some parents will ignore recommendations and pay for the cheaper junk food because they are less expensive and they like the taste. These factors all contribute to the lack of funds that would enhance the programs and actions by our government. Because of that limiting factor, I believe it is necessary to change our government’s focus on the parents and their views.
The root of this problem is at the parental level. Once a couple has a child, it is their responsibility, as parents, to care for their child and to keep them healthy and well-mannered. Wouldn’t it make sense that choosing healthy foods for your child to consume and promoting active lifestyles be included in this category? Parents have the number one say in what their child does or eats so it makes sense that to help fix this problem, parents must get on board with childhood obesity and overweight prevention. Adjusting food prices could help the parents who are living near poverty as well. It is much easier to purchase a meal off the dollar menu from McDonald’s rather than to purchase a nutritious meal along with a salad from a medium-class or fancy restaurant. By creating an after school program in areas with a large history of childhood obesity and overweight cases, the children can consume food provided by the after school program and participate in physical activities. This helps the financial load on the parents by supplying children with healthy alternatives after school rather than sitting on the couch eating junk food and watching television.
Much like any national problems, it will likely be impossible to abolish all cases of childhood obesity. However, will proper funding and moves from the government with the correct implementation and focus points, it is possible to hinder the growth of these cases and start a trend in the opposite direction.
About the Author:
David Wilkinson is a Mechanical Engineer major at the University of Maryland College Park. He has participated and help lead many physical activity programs and is an avid supporter of maintaining healthy lifestyles.