Persuasive Essay On Childhood Obesity

In America, the childhood obesity rate has nearly tripled in the past fifteen years and only 2% of children in America have a healthy diet (“Childhood”). Childhood obesity has not simply become an issue, but an epidemic. Parents, as well as schools, are lacking the education needed to teach the children about nutrition and physical exercise. Fast food chain restaurants, such as McDonalds, often at time lure the children to eat large amounts of unhealthy food by giving away toys with their purchased meal. Media, such as televisions, computers, phones and gaming devices are clouding the importance of exercise. Children nowadays do not understand the importance of getting outside and physically exercising. In the United States, childhood obesity

The only place children will spend more time at than home, is school. Schools play a major role in preventing childhood obesity. Today’s schools lack the education needed to teach the students. Physical activity and nutrition can easily be woven into the curriculum, not just in classroom subjects. Also, after school programs such as 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go can be encouraged. 5-2-1-0 is a well-known, national childhood obesity program that partners with schools, out of school programs, healthcare practices, and community organizations (“Childhood Obesity Prevention”). The goal of this program is to change the environment children are living in and lead them to a healthier lifestyle. 5-2-1-0 stands for, five or more fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, one hour or more of physical exercise and zero surgery drinks. If more schools could implement programs like this, the environment children live in would be much different. Although some schools cannot afford special programs, there are many other steps that can be taken to lead the children to a healthier lifestyle. Creating health programs that teach the children about nutrition, physical exercise and how to take care of their bodies which be beneficial in preventing childhood obesity. Schools can provide healthier options for snack and lunch and eliminate marketing of unhealthy foods. Putting vending machines with unhealthy food and drinks is

Parents knowing and understanding the knowledge of how to educate their child on a healthy lifestyle and physical activity will help prevent this issue. Schools who partake in after school programs will help the children understand and be able to put to use the knowledge they have learned through these programs. Limiting screen time will only help the children and this generation learn to not rely on technology for everything and that there is more to life than what is on a screen. We cannot let children continue harming their bodies, and watching the parents let them. This worldwide epidemic must come to