The studies shows that parents that are full-time workers tend to favor prepared, commercial, processed food items are quick and easy to make which tend to be high in fat and sodium which could lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol level as well as heart disease. It was also shown that parents that are concerned about their children’s nutritional needs and had specific attitudes toward mealtimes made a significant difference in their children’s weight. Parental control of their children’s eating showed a definite positive association and caused less risk of child being overweight. This study allows for an understanding and hope for the future generation of children if parents are made vital aspects in a child’s diet and consumption which may lead to a progress in the stride to make a healthier America.
The target audiences I will be addressing are the parents of children (overweight, obese, children, etc). Demographically speaking this issue of obesity and weight (leading into female body image) should affect our local communities and concerned persons that would like there to be a move to raising a healthier generation of children (The White House). An example of a well-known figure who is supporting this move is First Lady Michelle Obama and her stride to work alongside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to “help Americans lead healthier lives through better nutrition, regular physical activity, and by encouraging communities to support healthy choices” (Rural Assistance Center). Along with the First Lady and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, parents are a key audience to address here because they hold the resources and attention to implement and make better choices for the children (that may affect there take on diet, food, body image, health, etc). According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, “about 37 percent of American children are overweight, and about 16 percent of children ages 2 to 19 are obese” (msnbc). Researchers say that the “tipping point” in obesity occurs before a child reaches the age of 2 and as early as three months (msnbc). So, parents are the key in implementing a healthy eating style early on in life. With much support behind her the first lady has kicked off a national campaign to fight the problem that could possibly affect numerous aspects of our society - school food (ie. vending machines), parents, children, food industries, etc.
From studies done by the University Medical Centre Groningen almost half of the mothers with obese 4 or 5 year-olds considered their children as having a normal weight for their age, with a comparable 39 percent according to fathers. The study shows that parents are more likely to put their children in a lower weight group then in actuality. This article works to illuminate my topic because it gives a clear concept that parents are choosing not to consider their child’s obesity as not a problem and in grand scale a social problem that more and more children are being considered obese/overweight. Although 97% of the parents studied stated that they could influence their children’s’ eating habits, little considered changing their food choices. Most parents that were studied were either indifferent about the child’s weight or chose not to think of their child’s weight as a problem.
Resources:
1. Gable, Sara and Lutz, Susan. “Household, Parent, and Child Contributions to Childhood Obesity.” Family Relations, Vol. 49, No. 3 (July 2000), pp. 293-300. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
(http://www.jstor.org/stable/585894?&Search=yes&term=child&term=obesity&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dchild%2Bobesity%26gw%3Djtx%26prq%3Dpressures%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bthin%26Search%3DSearch%26hp%3D25%26wc%3Don&item=1&ttl=6062&returnArticleService=showArticle).
2. “HHS Secretary and Surgeon General Join First Lady to Announce Plans to Combat Overweight and Obesity and Support Healthy Choices”. 2010. Rural Assistance Center. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
(http://www.raconline.org/news/news_details.php?news_id=12987).
3. “Path to obesity may begin before age 2: Doctors may need to address weight problems in infants.” 2010. msnbc. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35352934/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/)
4. “First Lady Michelle Obama Launches Let's Move: America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids”. 2010. The White House. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/first-lady-michelle-obama-launches-lets-move-americas-move-raise-a-healthier-genera)
5. “Majority of Parents Don’t Realize Their 4 or 5 Year-Olds Are Overweight or Obese.” 2010. Medical News Today. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177472.php).
6. http://fitzees.com/images/obese_teens.jpg
7. http://repairstemcell.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/heartnice.jpg
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