Childhood Obesity In Schools

Child obesity is a constitutional issue that is growing among society. Studies show that schools have been making some development improving the school food and physical activity environments, however much more work is needed. Should the government become involved with this issue or is this a personal problem and responsibility?
This is the first generation with a life expectancy less than their parents. These children will suffer physical and mental challenges that will stay with them for the rest of their lives if this issue is not solved. There are over forty two million children that are obese under the age of five; the sadness is that this preventable problem is now a worldwide epidemic. Childhood obesity in the United States rates have
The government should be more involved with the school’s nutrition systems. There is a disconnection in what schools are teaching in the classroom and what they are giving/teaching in the cafeteria. Even if nutrition information is being taught in class, it is very easy to know what a child is going to choose if their options in the cafeteria are pizza or a vegetable salad. Although this could also be due to the parenting of the child, a large portion of these children whom are obese go to school hungry, they don’t get very good meals at home, nor good meals at school. “The highest rates of obesity occur among the most disadvantaged population groups, those with the least education and the highest poverty rates” (Hedwig Lee). Unless we the people address the foundation of poverty itself, just asking or telling kids to eat healthy, isn’t going to do it. Poverty and obesity go hand and hand, the issue of poverty has to come into discussion in order for this problem to be fixed. Although there is definitely an awareness towards the government now and several people are more influenced to improve physical activity for example with the private funding programs like the “fresh program”, the “let’s move program,” these programs have helped many children however more can be done. There could be many more of these services for the people if there were
It is implied that these children are going to face a long life battle with obesity. As mentioned, these children might have shorter lives than their parents. Government and personal responsibility (parenting) both play a major role in children’s lives. They both influence the early development of childhood to adulthood. This issue is highly important, and a matter that can be prevented. It will take some time to address, however it is the responsibility among parents, government, and schools. All of these are an important guidance in a child’s life, and should take charge for the positive. As of now there are only private funding programs helping these children, with time this issue should be