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How Is Childhood Obesity An Ethical Issue

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How Is Childhood Obesity An Ethical Issue
RUNNING HEAD: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1

Childhood Obesity C. Kevin Barr SOC120 John Meeks February 8, 2013

CHILDHOOD OBESITY 2 Childhood Obesity and the Health Concerns

Obesity is such a hot topic in America today and childhood obesity and the ethical arguments over obesity has greatly increased over the last 10 years. Health problems that occur from this deadly disease is something that no one wants to talk about. When people think about health, what usually is discussed is cancer or heart disease. Not many people really think about one of the biggest issues out there that is really not taken very seriously and that is obesity. …show more content…
Obesity in children has become a major ethical and moral challenge for today 's society and is now threatening to become a disease with multiple health risk for today as well as beyond. Obesity is a disease, a disease that if not taken seriously may have health ramifications for years to come. The problem with childhood obesity is not just the weight issue but the other diseases associated with the neglect of this disease. Understanding and working
CHILDHOOD OBESITY 4 towards solutions will only improve the chances of solving this disease and all other diseases associated with childhood …show more content…
“It has been estimated that roughly 60-92% of children play computer games daily”. (Papoutsakis, 2007) With the staggering number of television viewing, the role of food advertisers must be addressed as one of the causes of obesity. “Nearly half of U.S. middle schools allow advertising of less healthy foods, which impact students decision making of healthy food choices”. (CDC, 2011) Portion control has also changed for kids in the last five years. “ Portion sizes of less healthy foods and beverages have increased over time in restaurants, grocery stores, and vending machines. Research shows that children eat more without realizing it if they are served larger portions. This can mean they are consuming a lot of extra calories, especially when eating high-calorie foods.” (CDC , 2011) Another factor that is affecting obesity is children is the fact that most families in today 's world are way to busy to enjoy a meal at home and spend more time eating out on fast food. In summation, in today 's world, kids are not exercising like they should and are eating the wrong type of food as well as eating more to satisfy their appetites. Television and video game playing is a contributing factor because it takes away time that is needed to exercise and influences kids to make unhealthy and irrational choices concerning food consumption based on food advertisements.

By not confronting childhood obesity, we are not facing the challenges associated with this disease.
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