One Solution That Can Be Taken...

According to the American Obesity Association there are two main factors in childhood obesity. The lack of physical activity in children’s lives is a factor. “Children spend more time in front of the television, computer and video console and less time playing sports, riding bikes or chasing butterflies.” An average child spends more than 27 hours a week in front of a television. The second key factor is poor eating habits based on environment. “Children develop poor eating habits by eating high calorie foods while watching TV and eating when they are not hungry.” “Studies show that children’s exposure at home and their lifestyles include over exposure to advertising for fast food, poor parental examples or socioeconomic status. Low-income families are more likely to buy cheap, unhealthy, processed foods as opposed to healthy, natural foods. “



One possible solution to this childhood obesity epidemic is for the government to make suggestions, guidelines, and regulations on improving the life styles on the children in the United States. The government should regulate schools to begin encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. First by removing soda and candy machines from the hallways in the school and “providing USDA approved school lunches” (which consists on meals that contain the five major food groups, is reduced in fat, and are using more and more natural and healthy foods) and making an more active physical program for students throughout the day or during gym sessions. Basically this is a way to promote active lifestyles and healthy eating habits in and out of school, so kids can utilize these qualities anywhere they go and at home as well.

I do believe there will be changes in this epidemic if we start from the beginning and make our way to the top. I think the best solution as of now is to cut off all soda and candy machines in schools and provide schools with government approved school lunches that are low in calories (fat), and made with healthy and natural foods. Children spend 7-8 hours in school, even more if they are involved in after school activities and sports. So for children to be not tempted to eat unhealthy foods during a majority of their time spent awake the government should regulate what is served and sold within the schools. This will help promote healthier eating habits and allow for children to build the skills needed to regulate their own food choices. This may also lead into finding foods at home or in the store that are similar to that of school lunches or parents maybe become active in the government’s goal to reduce the obesity levels in children. I think this will be an easy task to achieve because which parent would deny the government from making the school lunches healthier and allow for junk food to be banned from schools. In all honestly little people would even consider rejecting the idea. This is the most workable solution because it does not require extraneous amounts of resources say creating programs and educational classes would make.

Resources (ASA):
1. Monaghan, Erin. “Signs and Solutions to Childhood Obesity.” Top Ten Reviews. 2010. April 1, 2010. (http://online-diet-services-review.toptenreviews.com/signs-and-solutions-to-childhood-obesity.html).