Unit 6 Project: Childhood Obesity
Johnnie Howie
Kaplan University

CM220-03
Professor Thompson
April 8, 2014

Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity is a major issue because of the numbers that this disease has reached in the past year. There are genetic factors that are paired with lifestyle changes. Childhood obesity in the United States has tripled over the past thirty years. A large number of obese children and adults has been the result of these changes over the last decade. This disease has doubled in children and adolescents in the past 30 years. Many public and private schools are playing major roles in establishing safer eating for school aged children and staff. Schools also teach classes that give the children the opportunity to choose a healthier lifestyle. They also offer physical education and practice healthy eating. It is very important that the teachers and other staff are aware of health risk. Communities should also fight to prevent this epidemic from growing and permanently affecting our children which will be our future country. The government and market failures have impacted the increase in childhood obesity. Tariffs, food subsidies, and welfare laws have added to this problem. Obesity is having excess body fat and is a result of calorie imbalance. This disease is easy to recognize and is very difficult to treat. The health effects can be long term if not prevented at an early age. Studies also show that obesity can be inherited; therefore families should do everything possible to prevent this from spreading throughout their families. The children are victims of health problems which are inflicted by insufficiency of physical activity and good nutrition. Today, sugary, fast food, fatty foods, have become a regular trend in today’s society. (Mayo Foundation) The children are exposed to these foods by their parents.