Cuthbert C Cuffy
Devry University
Overall child obesity rates are flat, and rates of severe obesity are rising, says a study published Monday by JAMA Pediatrics. And the idea that rates are plunging among preschoolers — heralded in a study and press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just weeks ago — did not stand up when researchers scrutinized a few extra years of data, says lead author Asheley Cockrell Skinner, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. (www.usatoday.com, 2014)
This proposal serve to influence readers that an approach to the reducing the epidemic and one of the major ills of contemporary society, childhood obesity, is through a collective, integral and collaborative effort, a holistic and systematic process which bring positive results in this regards. My limited academic writing and information on the topic will be compensated for by my extensive research and use of several sources from experts in the field thus establishing my credibility regarding Childhood obesity. Ezekiel J. Emanuel and Andrew P. Steinmetz (May 5, 201), an expert in health care and a comprehensive researcher respectively, express their optimistic view on the issue, and will add to my credentials. Their view indicate that the speed at which the reduction in child obesity is being achieved, has far exceed that of what was done in response to that when tobacco was the focal point. It is very evident that the delayed tactics are being use as those in the tobacco issue, in spite of the greater economic and political support surrounding the childhood obesity scenario A plateau in the rate of childhood obesity as articulated in the article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the individual types of intervention methods presently being use to fight this issue is not enough hence the timing and need for a national collective and inclusive approach should be adopted in an effort to eradicate this evil from society.
The progress is hampered whereby the unhealthy food and beverage companies continues to cast doubt on the scientific evidence that shows the harm from its products along with the lobbying against national policies and proponents that would aims to reduce the use and promotion of unhealthy food. Fast-food companies advertise sodas, high-sugar, -fat and -salt products to children by cleverly using social media and texting to bypass parental controls and regulators. The lobbyist ensures that this is achieve through the financing of politician campaigns who support the food industry anti-regulatory goals, with the protections from corporate-friendly courts, they refuse to support legislation to curtail these activities. (Nicholas Freudenberg, May 6, 2014)
Another contributing factor to present state of childhood obesity is due to lack of increase in the number of children none participation in physical activities. A recent survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that very few Children walk to school, ride bicycle or play outside when school is over. More times are spent watching television, on IPADs, Phones and computers thus becoming couch potatoes rather than indulging in physical exercises. The attraction to those indoor activities are much stronger than the will to play outside and getting involved in sports and extra-curricular activities. TV watching leads to more snacking and to actually reduce metabolism. Rellergert, Linda. (2006).
This type of behavior pattern is further compounded by effects of socioeconomic situation of African-American and Latino families where there is a higher rate of overweight and obesity than the national average in youths. The lack access to healthy foods and beverages as compared with their white peers due to low incomes. (Mary Rockeymore, May 5, 2014)
Reference:
EZEKIEL J. EMANUEL and ANDREW P. STEINMETZ, The Opinion Pages Op-Ed Contributors, Finally, Some Optimism About Obesity, May 5, 2014, on page A23 of the New York edition. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/05/opinion/finally-some-optimism-about-obesity.html
Mayo Clinic Staff (Feb. 15, 2014) Childhood Obesity from Disease and Conditions http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/symptoms/con-20027428?p=1
Rellergert, Linda. (2006). Number of Overweight Youth a Concern. Retrieved on October 18, 2012. http://www.missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut33.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/07/child-obesity-progress/7421987/