Cultivating childhood obesity

Abstract

In recent years the levels of obesity in the United States has risen greatly especially amongst children. Doctors, psychologists, and other scientists have been studying the growing problem for years. Implications for childhood obesity not only have enormous physical consequences but emotional repercussions which can affect the child’s academic and social development. A number of factors have been identified as having an effect on these children; family life reveals the grocery store habits of American families. Many of the children identified unhealthy snacks and meals as a regular part of their daily food intake. High sugar cereal and sodas were listed as favorites of not just the children, but of the parents as well. The causes of obesity are cited as unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition. Approximately, 15% of American children from the ages of 6-19 are overweight or obese while the levels of obesity in European countries while on the rise tend to be considerably lower. While these characteristics, along with a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to childhood obesity; this thesis aims to uncover other factors believed to contribute to these growing levels overall. Such as respective nutritional standards, cultural food norm differences, student lunch programs, local food and beverage industry practices, government subsidies, and the legislation of non-core foods i.e. “Junk food” marketing to children.