Childhood Obesity A World Wide Health Problem For Our...

Childhood Obesity Raelene S. Webb ENG 122-English Composition Instructor Mallan-King 10-12-2014 Childhood Obesity is a world-wide health problem for our children. There are many costs associated with obesity. The total cost of obesity in America is 100 billion dollars and climbing. Ninety seven million Americans are overweight or obese. Should we as Americans be concerned about our children? Childhood obesity is associated with adverse health effects. Genetics even show that the environment may play a big role in obesity. Childhood obesity has never been as high as it is today. Over the last thirty years, obesity in children has nearly tripled. There are many significant problems that are affiliated with obesity,†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, the less that is known about weight-based teasing and its potential harmful effects on young people’s psychosocial well-being, the less we do something about it (Eisenburg ME, 2003.) There have been many studies that talk about children that are overweight and are being bullied (Health.com.) According to CNN Health, there have been studies that show that obese children are bullied more if they are smart, and have good social skills (CNN Health.) This particular study claims that over a time, 65% were more likely to be bullied than their peers whom were not overweight. A clinical professor at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio states that the low self-esteem of overweight children may in fact make them targets for bullies. Regarding the barriers to weight loss by the children, attempts should be made to change the attitude of the community toward obesity, especially childhood obesity (Lawman GG, Wilson DK, n.d.) The National Bureau of Economic Research states that the number of fast food restaurants have doubled over the past 30 years, and they also attract overweight people in ‘super sizing’ their meals. Fast food restaurants have high saturated fats and no basic healthy value to their foods (Fast-Food consumption among United States adults and children, 2003.) Fruits, vegetables and grains must be incorporated and have an important staple in everyone’s diet. It has been frequently suggested that