Fast food, high caloric intake, biggie size, large size, large portions, videogames, television: all of these things have contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle. As a result, the American waistline has expanded, not only in adults but in children also. Obesity is a major health issue and is gaining recognition through television programs, in schools, and at home.
There are many television programs that have drawn attention to the plight of an obese person. Shows such as the Biggest Loser aim at giving an obese person the chance to learn how to care for their bodies and discipline themselves so that they can lose the weight and keep it off.
People compete each week to see who has lost the most weight. On many talk shows like the Today Show or any of the talk show host line up bring up the issues and discuss it in open forums. The misconception that a person was fat because they were lazy has slowly been displaced by an understanding that genetics also contribute to a person's ability to lose weight and keep it off.
On the school front, obesity is being addressed by what is present for students to eat and drink. The school lunch menu has changed over time and with the change, more fast and less nutritious options became available. Vending machines in schools were easy pickings for children with a sweet tooth. Soda and candy became the mainstay diet for many school age children.
Also, to accommodate testing, recess was cut out of the daily routine to give more test preparation time. As obesity has become more recognized, more schools are trying to tackle the problem by helping their students become more proactive with their health.
At home is probably the most difficult place to maintain discipline. Easy access to snack foods and parents that are looking for a quick meal contribute to a growing need for healthy alternatives. Vegetables and fruit are overlooked when a quick meal is needed. By the age of two, the most common vegetable a child eats is a potato in the form of French fries.
Parents need to encourage their children to play outside and to eat healthier. Children do as a parent does, so parents need to set a positive example and edify what they are trying to teach their kids. Establishing a healthy routine on all accounts assures that people will lead happier lives.
There are many television programs that have drawn attention to the plight of an obese person. Shows such as the Biggest Loser aim at giving an obese person the chance to learn how to care for their bodies and discipline themselves so that they can lose the weight and keep it off.
People compete each week to see who has lost the most weight. On many talk shows like the Today Show or any of the talk show host line up bring up the issues and discuss it in open forums. The misconception that a person was fat because they were lazy has slowly been displaced by an understanding that genetics also contribute to a person's ability to lose weight and keep it off.
On the school front, obesity is being addressed by what is present for students to eat and drink. The school lunch menu has changed over time and with the change, more fast and less nutritious options became available. Vending machines in schools were easy pickings for children with a sweet tooth. Soda and candy became the mainstay diet for many school age children.
Also, to accommodate testing, recess was cut out of the daily routine to give more test preparation time. As obesity has become more recognized, more schools are trying to tackle the problem by helping their students become more proactive with their health.
At home is probably the most difficult place to maintain discipline. Easy access to snack foods and parents that are looking for a quick meal contribute to a growing need for healthy alternatives. Vegetables and fruit are overlooked when a quick meal is needed. By the age of two, the most common vegetable a child eats is a potato in the form of French fries.
Parents need to encourage their children to play outside and to eat healthier. Children do as a parent does, so parents need to set a positive example and edify what they are trying to teach their kids. Establishing a healthy routine on all accounts assures that people will lead happier lives.
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