Obesity in School Children
Obesity in school children
Children develop within a set framework and grow according to the levels of exercise and nutrition available to them as well as their particular genetic nature. In affluent countries such as Australia this growth can be affected by the lack of exercise and the consumption of too many kilojoules. Currently there are a large percentage of children who are verging on obesity or are obese, and this is an emerging cause for worry in today’s schools. Children today are not as active as previous generations, sometimes due to a lack of opportunity such as being driven to school instead of walking. Other reasons are less time outside and more time watching television and playing computer games. There is a much larger availability of nutritionally poor fast food today than there was for previous generations which have made children more vulnerable to becoming overweight or obese.
Schools and teachers can promote physical activity through many initiatives and programs. Implementing these initiatives early in a child’s learning can encourage healthy attitudes towards nutrition and exercise. (“Weight problems in childhood,” 2011) There are approximately one in five children and adolescents in Australia who are overweight or obese and if this rate increases at the level it is now the prediction for 2020 is that sixty-five percent of children will be in the overweight range. (“Obesity in Children,”2011) Some of the many factors causing this upsurge in overweight children appear to be coming from the lifestyles of families. Poor nutrition and bad eating patterns are a cause of obesity and families need to develop good nutritional guidelines to prevent obesity.
Physical activity in middle childhood (6-10 years)
Australian children do not spend as much time in active play as previous generations and watch television and play computer games as a large part of their recreation. (“Obesity in Children,”2011) Physical activity within the age range of middle
Children develop within a set framework and grow according to the levels of exercise and nutrition available to them as well as their particular genetic nature. In affluent countries such as Australia this growth can be affected by the lack of exercise and the consumption of too many kilojoules. Currently there are a large percentage of children who are verging on obesity or are obese, and this is an emerging cause for worry in today’s schools. Children today are not as active as previous generations, sometimes due to a lack of opportunity such as being driven to school instead of walking. Other reasons are less time outside and more time watching television and playing computer games. There is a much larger availability of nutritionally poor fast food today than there was for previous generations which have made children more vulnerable to becoming overweight or obese.
Schools and teachers can promote physical activity through many initiatives and programs. Implementing these initiatives early in a child’s learning can encourage healthy attitudes towards nutrition and exercise. (“Weight problems in childhood,” 2011) There are approximately one in five children and adolescents in Australia who are overweight or obese and if this rate increases at the level it is now the prediction for 2020 is that sixty-five percent of children will be in the overweight range. (“Obesity in Children,”2011) Some of the many factors causing this upsurge in overweight children appear to be coming from the lifestyles of families. Poor nutrition and bad eating patterns are a cause of obesity and families need to develop good nutritional guidelines to prevent obesity.
Physical activity in middle childhood (6-10 years)
Australian children do not spend as much time in active play as previous generations and watch television and play computer games as a large part of their recreation. (“Obesity in Children,”2011) Physical activity within the age range of middle
References: Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2011). Social Learning Theory (Bandura) at Learning-Theories.com. Retrieved September 16th, 2011 from http://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html McDevitt, T., & Ormrod, J Nutrition & Physical Activity, (2009). NSW Department of Health as retrieved from http://www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/healthy-weight/index.php?pageid=3003&siteid=198 Obesity in Children,(2011)Better health channel Phases of development (1998) Curriculum Framework as retrieved from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_47589_1%26url%3d Queensland Studies Authority, (2011, May 30). Studies of Society and Environment as retrieved 21 September 2011 from http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/early_middle/qcar_el_sose_yr5.pdf Weight problems in childhood Yager, Z & O’Dea, J. (2005) The Role of Teachers and Other Educators in the Prevention of Eating Disorders and Child Obesity: What Are the Issues? Eating Disorders, 13:261–278, The University of Sydney, Au DOI: 10.1080/10640260590932878