The Battle against Fat
Erik Robles
Erik Robles
Joanne Kropp
Univ 1301
2008
The Fight against Fat
“I am a mother of three wonderful children... a wife to a precious husband. I am also a very large woman... I have been overweight all my life. I just started a little chubby when I was little. Now I am considered morbidly obese at a weight of 299 pounds... this is my story, not much to tell, in a few years, I’ll just be another statistic if I keep going this way (Matherson).” Jen Matherson isn’t the only person who was an overweight child: she is part of the 17.1% of US children ages 2-19 that are obese. The growing epidemic of childhood obesity is leaving Americans, children specifically, in harms paths. America’s youth are going through rapid changes prematurely and can suffer heightened consequences later on in life. A cohort study done by scientists shows the possible risks, even as a baby, we have gaining rapid weight. Low birth weight and a rapid weight gain in childhood have also been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in adulthood (Stettler). Who can be blamed for this? American Society is a leading contributor to our youths’ struggle to fight obesity; however, with resources, funded by the federal government and beneficial program, the epidemic can be alleviated.
Healing the abrasion of childhood obesity can be cured with many tools starting where children spend most of their day: school. With healthier food and an understanding of better eating skills, children in the learning place will be better educated. America is going through a “supersized problem,” as Todd Sloane states in his article. “Overweight children, relatively unusual just 15 years ago, now make up 30% of school-age kids.” We need to help the three out of ten students with a weight problem. The greatest improvement can be providing these schools with healthier food in places where it is needed most. Granted, it may cost money, but, do we, as...