Childhood Obesity

The Fight against Childhood Obesity: Parental Involvement

Stacie Mueller

ENG 240: Advanced Composition

Instructor Kevin Reardon

National University

Sep 30th, 2012

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to show the need for better public knowledge about the issues facing children who are struggling with obesity, with a primary focus on parental involvement. Parents need to understand the seriousness of allowing their children to consume whatever they want, and how much they want: We are seeing hypertension, heart disease, some cancers, breathing difficulties, and type II diabetes in more children today than ever before. Opposing arguments claim that it is not the fault of the parents; however, infants don’t have control over how much they are fed, and toddlers lack the cognitive development to make an informed decision about their food choices. Young children themselves are not to blame, so focus on parents seems reasonable. America is challenged with a growing rate of childhood obesity, and public knowledge regarding solutions remains inadequate. We can do a better job of promoting the issue by helping parents understand the seriousness of childhood obesity; the best way to approach this is likely through marketing.

The Fight Against Childhood Obesity

The percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight and obese is now higher than ever before: Over the last 25 years, childhood obesity has more than quadrupled. (Get America Fit Foundation, 2012). Childhood obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (a measurement calculated using a child's weight and height) that is at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Obesity is caused by long-term positive energy imbalance: When the total calories consumed exceed the energy expended through physical activity. (Hindle & Mills, 2012). Poor dietary habits and inactivity contribute to the increase of obesity in youth, but a children’s lack of knowledge regarding...