The Need for Obesity Education

703 Words2 Pages

It is no surprise that obesity is a serious problem in America. Childhood obesity is continuing to rise, and this causes a serious threat to the health of our nation. Today more than 9 million children over the age of 6 are considered obese (Koplan, Kraak, Liverman). Since 1970 obesity rates have nearly tripled and will likely continue to rise (Koplan, Kraak, Liverman). Steps need to be taken to try to limit it and improve the health of the nation. Obesity needs to be treated as a serious health concern and the United States needs to do more to educate the nation’s youth.
Obesity is defined as having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for a particular age and sex (Harding). There are several factors that contribute to an individuals BMI such as genes, psychological influences, lifestyle, certain diseases, and eating habits. However, the most prominent factor is one’s environment (Green, Hargrove, Riley). Americans have adapted a very unhealthy lifestyle within the last century. Children spend on average five or six hours on activities such as watching television, using the computer, or playing video games (Green, Reese). There has also been a significant increase in the consumption of fast food which has little nutritional value (Green, Hargrove, Riley). With this increase in technology and processed food availability, it isn’t surprising that obesity rates are increasing.
There are several reasons as to why the United States need to educate the youth about obesity. First, children who are obese are at risk for psychosocial problems. This includes problems such as shame and low self-esteem. These problems could lead to eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia, which are also serious problems with America’s youth. Girls a...

... middle of paper ...

...uced by 5 percent the United States of America could save an estimated $29.8 billion in five years, $158 billion in 10 years, and $611.7 billion in 20 years (Loy and Zatz). Medicare could also save more than $5 billion, and Medicaid could save more than $2 billion (Loy and Zatz). Reducing obesity can help can fewer trips to the doctors, few prescriptions, and fewer sick days.
Preventing obesity is a complicated process that cannot be accomplished overnight.
However, the effort is necessary to save our country from unhealthy, short lived lives. Major gains have been made in areas such as reducing tobacco use, limiting teen pregnancies, and preventing youth from smoking. These gains give hope that our country can be restored to a healthier country with less preventable diseases. It is worth spending some money on education to help improve quality of life in America.

Open Document