Childhood Obesity: Causes and Effects, Thesis of Business Accounting

Download Childhood Obesity: Causes and Effects and more Thesis Business Accounting in PDF only on Docsity! Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY 1 C455_Task_3 Childhood Obesity Western Governors University CHILDHOOD OBESITY Children that are overweight in kindergarten are responsible for over half of children that are overweight/obese between the ages of five and fourteen (Cunningham et al., 2014). The increased rates of childhood obesity have become alarming. What has contributed to the rise in childhood obesity rates today and is it a simple solution? There are endless reasons as to why the rate of childhood obesity is on the rise; however, to understand the extent several factors must be taken into consideration. Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the U.S. today caused by the lack of physical activity, diet, and socioeconomic factors. The lack of physical activity has become a reality for a majority of children in the U.S. today. As the use of electronics such as computers, tablets, and smartphones have become more common in schools and households, it is not a surprise that these devices have piqued children's interest. Playing games, watching cartoon shows and communicating with friends via social are a few of the most common reasons why children today enjoy the use of electronic devices; however, the entertainment these devices provide ultimately is the reason why children today choose to remain indoors as opposed to physical activity outdoors with friends. Consequently, the choice to stay indoors with devices has led to children to become obese. Similar to how convenient entertainment has contributed to childhood obesity, a child's diet can also contribute to childhood obesity. Fast food is a common option for parents and guardians who are constantly on the go due to work and events such as all-day sports games; however, although convenient for those on the CHILDHOOD OBESITY 2 go, some families have solely relied on the convenience of fast food to replace every meal; hence, creating a unhealthy diet for children and contributing to childhood obesity. Fast food is a key contributor to the rising prevalence of obesity because of fast food’s poor nutritional quality: fast foods are higher in solid fat than in foods consumed from retail food stores or schools, and few items on fast food children's menus align with national nutrition standards or dietary guidelines (Powell LM. Nguyen BT. Han E., 2003- 2008). Despite the convenience of fast food and the similarity of food one may order versus what can be made at home, fast food is packed with additives that when consumed in large amounts contribute to obesity. When in consumed in moderation with homemade meals consisting of ingredients packed with nutritional values, children can receive the nutrition needed for optimal health and growth; on the other hand, when heavily relying on fast food to feed children, children consume foods with little to no nutritional value and creating unhealthy results. Despite some families choosing the unhealthy route to feed their children, some families do not have an option based on a socioeconomic factor such as income. The price of fruits and vegetables is on the rise and is, unfortunately, contributing to the rise in childhood obesity. Socioeconomic factors have played a role in childhood obesity due to the inability to purchase high-cost fruits and vegetables that provide nutritional value. For the sake of budgeting purposes, families favor prepackaged foods such as instant ramen for as little as 65 cents each as opposed to fruits or vegetables that range from 1-3 dollars each or per pound. Nevertheless, besides the contribution to childhood obesity, how do socioeconomic factors affect children's choices of food long-term? Essentially, having little to no income contributes to childhood obesity that may potentially evolve into adult obesity.