Obesity among American children
Childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States. Obesity in a child occurs when a child is above the government established guidelines for weight and height based on their age. During the period of 1964 to 1994, childhood obesity has increased from 5% to 13%. Today, it is approximately 20% and still rising. Excessive time spent watching television, using the computer, and playing video games, are contributory to the escalating rate of childhood obesity. Today, obesity in America’s youth has captured media attention in America. Although Americans are aware of the statistical data regarding child obesity, many families still do not take proactive measures to lessen the risk of obesity in their children. The excessive amount of time spent on television, computers, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (adult onset) continue to increase among American youths.
In America, children on average, spend up to five to six hours a day watching television, using a computer, and playing video games. Children in the U.S. are also overwhelmed with well crafted TV ads from fast food chains and other advertisers. A recent study reported that 10 to 12 year old children who watch television are more likely to choose unhealthier food products, due to advertisements on television. This behavior promotes high fat, sugary meals, and snacks. Perhaps watching television would not matter if American children were sufficiently active during other times of the day, but most of them are not. Parents should be held accountable by increasing physical activity for their children and decrease media usage.
Internet use may be one of the primary contributor’s to the poor fitness and obesity of many of today’s adolescents. Children are spending a massive amount of their free time just sitting in front of the television and playing on computers. Children are no longer participating in physical activities such as running, jumping, taking a walk...