Get off the Couch

Childhood obesityThe reason we choose childhood obesity as our topic because it is becoming a major problem in the United States in the past decade. Today, nearly 25 million children are overweight or obese. In recent decades obesity rates have risen in ages 6-11. In recent years type 2 diabetes is being seen in children once only seen in elderly adults. Experts predict that if we don’t help or solve the problem of childhood obesity that we will be the first generation in American History to live shorter lives than our parents.Fast food companies have become one of the main causes for obesity among children and teens. The average teen eats fast food about twice a week, while another study reveals that only 3 of 10 high school seniors eat fruits or vegetables daily. Just based on these studies it is easy to conclude that our generation is not eating healthy. Another factor in obesity is the activity level of children. Study reveals that only one of four children participate in free-time activities. Many elementary schools across the nation do not have physical education classes year round. Also less about a quarter of high school students takes physical education year round. And when kids are done with school most are sitting at home playing videos games and not being active. A typical kid in the U.S. approximately spends around four to five hours a day behind the a computer, watching T.V., or playing video games. These technological devices are the reasons why kids are overweight and lazy.Another issue with childhood obesity is that to treat an obese child it cost times as much of a normal weight children in the healthcare system. Also it costs more ib healthcare than smokers.

http://www.clintonfoundation.org/what-we-do/alliance-for-a-healthier-generation/why-childhood-obesity-/facts-about-childhood-obesity