Childhood Obesity

Research Paper

1 December 2014

America the Obese

Childhood obesity has doubled in the past 30 years in America according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are becoming overweight before they reach the age of six and it is becoming a major problem in America. A child becomes obese when they take in more calories then they burn therefore storing extra fat. Children ages six through eleven are highest at risk for obesity. There are many different harmful effects on a body due to being overweight. Children who become obese are more likely to remain obese when they become adults. There are several factors that cause childhood obesity including lack of exercise, cafeteria food, cheap fast food, genetics, and bad eating habits.

Technology has become a major role in today’s society. Too many people have become reliant on technology therefore lacking physical exercise. When parents are busy cooking or cleaning they turn the television on or give their child a tablet to occupy them. Children know how to work electronic devices before they are even enrolled in kindergarten:

Outdoor recreation is a way for children to develop social skills by engaging in direct social activities. Social media cannot replace actual human interactions that children experience on a playground with friends. Similarly, computer and video games, even educational ones, cannot match the benefits of open-ended group play. (Counterpoint: Overexposure to Media and Technology Deprives Children of Healthy Outdoor Recreation).

Playing on an electronic device is not the same as playing outside with others. In person face to face is how children develop skills such as kicking a soccer ball, throwing a baseball, or shooting a basket. Playing outside is a necessity for children to get fresh air to help one’s breathing.

Exercising is one of the key factors to living a healthy life both mentally and physically. While playing with others children learn how to share, negotiate,...