Reducing Childhood Obesity

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Recommended: Proposals for stopping obesity

Lisa has been suffering with obesity since she was 12 now at 17 she weighs approximately 440 pounds. She was known as the freak of every school she attended. Due to depression, anxiety and agoraphobia (The fear of wide open spaces, crowds or uncontrolled social conditions.), caused by the rest of her classmates she was forced to drop out of school. Children like these are all across America. Food industries are provoking them to eat more with their tasty, one-dollar menus. One of the areas that need to be given more importance in the fight against obesity is physical education: from elementary throughout high school. Obesity is a disease that is common in America; it usually starts in the elementary age. Physical education not only helps to prevent obesity but also increases self-confidence. It is proven that most students who stick to the physical education plan are more successful academically.

There is a need for effective strategies that will curve the actual trend of obesity because of the impact that obesity has both individually and collectively (health, cost on health services, labor). Diets alone or with the use of medications have not given good results and less if this is started after the person is obese. It is very important to begin at an early age and create a routine that can be followed for a whole life.

According to Kiess et al., in their book Obesity in childhood and adolescence, obesity is a common disorder amongst our society today. It is caused by many factors, including excessive caloric intake, genetic influences, and a lack of physical activity. Different types of food, -mainly carbohydrates, fats and proteins- provide the major sources of energy the body needs to function. If there is an incorrect bal...

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.... New York: Gotham, 2004.

Kiess W., C Marcus and M. Wabitsch Ed. Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence. New York: Karger, 2004. 22 Mar. 2008 .

Laker, Anthony. Beyond the Boundaries of Physical Education: Educating Young People. New York: Routledge, 2000. 22 March 2008 .

“Physical Education in Schools.”American Heart Association. 26 Mar. 2008. .

“Reducing Obesity via a School-Based Interdisciplinary Intervention Among Youth.” Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 4 Apr. 1999. Planet Health. 23 March 2008 .

Sallis, et al. “SPARK.” American Journal of Public Health. 1997. 26 Mar. 2008. .

“Statistics related to overweight and obesity.” U.S. Department of Health and Human services. . June 2007. 26 Mar. 2008. .

Strauss, Richard S. “Childhood Obesity and Self-Esteem.” Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 24 Aug. 1999. 23 Mar. 2008. .

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