Childhood Obesity A Growing Problem - 922 Words

Child Obesity is a large problem in America. The childhood obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem that increases death and illnesses, and has long term economic and social costs. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that in teens ages 12 to 19, overweight rates have tripled (5.0% to 17.6%) in the last twenty five years; this is a higher percentage than in any other industrialized country. Teen obesity leads to obese adults that are going to have poor health later like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Prevention now is better than dealing with all these health issues later. Three approaches could help solve the child obesity problem: offering healthier foods in schools, controlling unhealthy food advertisements targeting teens, and promoting exercise. First, schools should offer healthier food choices; in fact, it is actually a law now: â€Å"In July 2010 the Education and the Workforce Committee of the US House of Representatives passed the Improving Nutrition for America s Children Act. The bill is aimed chiefly at improving school breakfast and lunch programs. It calls for schools to revise menus based on updated nutrition standards and requires that all foods offered through vending machines or other outlets on school grounds meet these standards.† (Haugen and Musser, 2012) For example, schools should not have vending machines that offer unhealthy foods. The U.S. General Accounting Office found that vending machines, snack bars orShow MoreRelatedChildhood Obesity. Childhood Obesity Is A Growing Problem1085 Words   |  5 PagesChildhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. Childhood obesity is defined as a child being at or above the 95th percentile for the child’s age and sex (Dietz, 1998). 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