Schools Must Combat Obesity with Proper Nutrition

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From the time they were in elementary school, students have heard about the importance of nutrition. Although they have been taught the value of a balanced, healthy diet, students continue to ignore the recommendations given to them and even complain about the steps that the school administration takes to improve the nutritional quality of the foods within the cafeteria. While the students may not realize it, obesity in children and teenagers has been steadily increasing, and schools nationwide are taking action to combat this epidemic (Rutledge 1). Schools should continue providing healthy foods on the lunch menu, as well as in the vending machines.

The growing problem of child obesity is one of the main factors contributing to the promotion of better nutrition in schools. One in six children, 16 percent, from the ages 10 to 17 are considered to be obese (Afterschool, Alliance, and Foundation MetLife 1). Although there are determined efforts to educate children on healthy eating habits, “levels of obesity continue to rise” (Bullen 51). There are four times as many children showing signs of obesity than there were twenty years ago. With all of the other concerns students deal with, “obesity should not be among the many obstacles . . . children face today” (Hunt). Along with their increase in weight and body fat comes a plethora of problems that children have not ever had to deal with. Once known as adult onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in adolescents, especially in minorities (Afterschool, Alliance, and Foundation MetLife 1). Not only is type 2 diabetes becoming an issue, but also overweight and obese children and adolescents are facing high

blood pressure, liver disease, early symptoms of hard...

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Rutledge, Teresa F., and (DHHS/PHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports. Volume 60, Number 5." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011): ERIC. Web. 27 Nov. 2011.

Snelling, Anastasia M., and Teha Kennard,. "The Impact Of Nutrition Standards On Competitive Food Offerings And Purchasing Behaviors Of High School Students." Journal Of School Health 79.11 (2009): 541-546. Professional Development Collection. Web. 27 Nov. 2011.

Story, Mary, Karen M. Kaphingst, and Simone French. "The Role Of Schools In Obesity Prevention." Future Of Children 16.1 (2006): 109-142. ERIC. Web. 27 Nov. 2011.

US Department of, Agriculture. "National School Lunch Program." US Department Of Agriculture (2009): ERIC. Web. 1 Dec. 2011.

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