Obesity In Children

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Childhood Obesity Page 1

Statement of Problem
One would never guess by observing the typical American youngster’s eating habits that our society is obsessed with being thin. A common site is a child wolfing down french fries at the local McDonalds, or stuffing themselves with potato chips, ice cream and cookies during long sessions of television watching. As time progresses, our children are becoming less active and healthy, and more into television’s couch potatoes, mindlessly eating whatever junk food is accessible.
Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is present when the total body weight is more than twenty-five percent fat in boys, and more than thirty-two percent fat in girls (Lohman, 1987). Since 1960, the incidence of childhood obesity has increased fifty percent, and about one fifth of American youngsters weigh more than they should. An estimated ten million kids in America are overweight. Obesity is a serious health risk, because it leads to a broad range of physical and psychological problems. Childhood obesity is already the leading cause of sustained high blood pressure in children. (Bruce A. Epstein, M.D., 1993) Although, recent dietary data suggests that the significant increase in obese children is not actually due to an increase in fat consumption. Caloric and fat intake has changed little over time. Statistics now show something that many knew all along. We are becoming a lazy society. Our children are simply taking it to the next level. Instead of favorite activities being bike riding and playing outside with friends, kids now play inside. The favorite games they play now include a hand-held controller attached to the biggest culprit of them all: the television.
Obesity is greater among children and adolescents who frequently watch television, and children watch an average of three hours a day (Dietz& Gortmaker, 1985). This is not only due to...