Informative Speech On Childhood Obesity
In the past 30 years, childhood obesity has tripled in the United States. Childhood obesity comes with the threat of diabetes, asthma, and even heart failure. When a child is diagnosed with obesity it is a parents and families worst nightmare. I know this nightmare to be true because my first cousin, Delilah, was diagnosed obese at the age of 10. To be diagnosed obese a child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) must be equal to or greater than the 95th percentile. Watching Delilah face this battle was scary yet inspiring; and I am happy to announce that 7 years later Delilah has overcome this disease thanks to a new healthy lifestyle.
I have come to learn the sad truth that child obesity is everywhere in America. About one in six children today are obese. …show more content…
Childhood obesity is not a disease that you are born with. Childhood obesity is 100% preventable. This disease is developed between the fetal stages and 12 years of age. Children’s fat cells can be compared to rubber bands; they are capable of expanding and contracting. If parents aren’t providing their children with healthy food options during these stages of a child’s life, their fat cells are going to continuously expand. It is important to know that fat cells size can be minimized, but the number of fat cells cannot be minimized. This goes to show how imperative healthy and balanced diets are in the developmental stages of a child’s …show more content…
We need to reduce the amount of time children spend in front of the TV, iPad, computer, and all other electronics. We need to get children into the habit of daily exercise. It is imperative for parents to get active with their children and get their kids moving with some everyday activities like taking a walk, riding a bike around the neighborhood, getting involved in a sport, or helping with yard work. Parents need to set an example for their children and get active with them.
Children today are surrounded by unhealthy foods. They are constantly subjected to unhealthy foods being marketed at them, making it hard to make healthy food choices. Children need to be taught by their parents the importance of healthy eating. Of course it is okay to enjoy junk food every once in a while, but it cannot be the only thing they eat. There are several healthy food options that children would enjoy if they were given the opportunity to try them, and the knowledge about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet.
For the first time in American history our children’s life expectancy is shorter then the generation above them. This is alarming. As obesity rates grow in our country, the cost of healthcare related to this problem is estimated to be $190 billion per
I have come to learn the sad truth that child obesity is everywhere in America. About one in six children today are obese. …show more content…
Childhood obesity is not a disease that you are born with. Childhood obesity is 100% preventable. This disease is developed between the fetal stages and 12 years of age. Children’s fat cells can be compared to rubber bands; they are capable of expanding and contracting. If parents aren’t providing their children with healthy food options during these stages of a child’s life, their fat cells are going to continuously expand. It is important to know that fat cells size can be minimized, but the number of fat cells cannot be minimized. This goes to show how imperative healthy and balanced diets are in the developmental stages of a child’s …show more content…
We need to reduce the amount of time children spend in front of the TV, iPad, computer, and all other electronics. We need to get children into the habit of daily exercise. It is imperative for parents to get active with their children and get their kids moving with some everyday activities like taking a walk, riding a bike around the neighborhood, getting involved in a sport, or helping with yard work. Parents need to set an example for their children and get active with them.
Children today are surrounded by unhealthy foods. They are constantly subjected to unhealthy foods being marketed at them, making it hard to make healthy food choices. Children need to be taught by their parents the importance of healthy eating. Of course it is okay to enjoy junk food every once in a while, but it cannot be the only thing they eat. There are several healthy food options that children would enjoy if they were given the opportunity to try them, and the knowledge about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet.
For the first time in American history our children’s life expectancy is shorter then the generation above them. This is alarming. As obesity rates grow in our country, the cost of healthcare related to this problem is estimated to be $190 billion per