Obesity
Obesity Among Young Americans
Michelle LeDrappier
Professor Tovey VanAulen
College English
October 29, 2010
LeDrappier, 1
Michelle LeDrappier
Professor Tovey VanAulen
College English
October 29, 2010
Obesity Among Young Americans Children are filled with energy and youth, but something is increasingly slowing them down. Child obesity has become one of the major epidemics in America today. The twenty-first generation is the only one whose members may be expected to have shorter life spans than their parents. One may think this is hard to believe, but obesity is a deadly disease and is spreading rapidly throughout the nation. This is a serious outbreak considering the fact that according to the World Health Organization, “6 % of children, over 9 million 6-13 year olds are overweight or obese. This is three times what it was in 1980” (Childhood Overweight and Obesity). All children who are obese are in danger because of all of the side effects that go along with obesity; not only do these children have a higher risk of staying obese as they become adults, but there are many health risks as well. Some of these side effects include heart problems and trouble breathing. America’s children today are being raised around bad influences such as fast, the addiction to technology, and what they are being fed by their family. All of these factors come into play, but there are some good influences too. What gives America hope to cure this disease is the endeavor to help children eat healthy. Good influences include pedestrians raising awareness, the government’s contribution of campaigns, and school districts promoting healthy snacks and mandatory gym/play time. As much as this nation tries to prevent childhood obesity, statistics show that factors that contribute to obesity such as fast food, television, and family behavior defeat all of the efforts to eliminate child obesity in America.
LeDrappier, 2 There are many harmful influences that affect a child’s
Michelle LeDrappier
Professor Tovey VanAulen
College English
October 29, 2010
LeDrappier, 1
Michelle LeDrappier
Professor Tovey VanAulen
College English
October 29, 2010
Obesity Among Young Americans Children are filled with energy and youth, but something is increasingly slowing them down. Child obesity has become one of the major epidemics in America today. The twenty-first generation is the only one whose members may be expected to have shorter life spans than their parents. One may think this is hard to believe, but obesity is a deadly disease and is spreading rapidly throughout the nation. This is a serious outbreak considering the fact that according to the World Health Organization, “6 % of children, over 9 million 6-13 year olds are overweight or obese. This is three times what it was in 1980” (Childhood Overweight and Obesity). All children who are obese are in danger because of all of the side effects that go along with obesity; not only do these children have a higher risk of staying obese as they become adults, but there are many health risks as well. Some of these side effects include heart problems and trouble breathing. America’s children today are being raised around bad influences such as fast, the addiction to technology, and what they are being fed by their family. All of these factors come into play, but there are some good influences too. What gives America hope to cure this disease is the endeavor to help children eat healthy. Good influences include pedestrians raising awareness, the government’s contribution of campaigns, and school districts promoting healthy snacks and mandatory gym/play time. As much as this nation tries to prevent childhood obesity, statistics show that factors that contribute to obesity such as fast food, television, and family behavior defeat all of the efforts to eliminate child obesity in America.
LeDrappier, 2 There are many harmful influences that affect a child’s