Childhood Obesity Research Paper

The typical American child wakes up to sugar-laden cereal accompanied by sugary juice, then watches a few minutes of television before going to school. After school, the same child enjoys pizza rolls or some other processed food that is ready after 90 seconds in the microwave. Following snack, the child is entertained by a few hours of video games or watching television, until dinner is ready. Dinner consists of partially processed meat, just-add-water salty side dishes and vegetables from a can. After more television, the child goes to bed. This is the sad reality for many American children. Many parents and care-givers offer the easy and convenient option instead of the more nutritious option. Now, school administrators want to surrender to convenience. The nutritious option involves more time and
The childhood obesity rate has tripled in the past thirty years. The CDC reports that childhood obesity is the result of eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity (CDC). This is a serious problem for all Americans. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. If children are overweight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe. A 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with RTI International (a nonprofit research group), found that the direct and indirect cost of obesity "is as high as $147 billion annually." The study was based on figures collected in 2006. The study found that in 2006, obese patients spent an average of $1,429 more for their medical care than did people within a normal weight range. That is a 42 percent higher cost for people who are obese. (Holden) Offering fast food to students will not help to solve the obesity problem in this country. The problem could