Childhood Obesity In America

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Obesity is a problem that continues to concern Americans and many others around the world. Despite the attempts to prevent or hinder its growth, the dangerous condition remains an important topic in today’s society. Obesity affects all age groups and specifically leaves a negative impact on children. “Nearly 17 million U.S. children ages of 2 to 19 are obese, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC)” (Alexander). This age range is the critical moment in a child’s life for growth and learning basic skills needed to function in society. One of the leading factors that influences a child’s opinion is the events they experience at school. Junk food should be prohibited during school hours. Its unhealthy consequences …show more content…
They are available at many different locations, allowing children to obtain them effortlessly. “‘It's no exaggeration to say that when it comes to the dietary health of North American youth, we are in the middle of an outright crisis," she says. "Sodas and garbage food are hugely to blame for that. Kids can get them, and they will get them. They just shouldn't be able to get them at school’” (Lunau) (Note card # 1, Quote # 1). Reducing the outlets of access to junk food will decrease the amount of obese children. Furthermore, schools have drastically changed their criteria so they can attempt to lead children into a healthier lifestyle. “Things are much better now, in the post-Jamie Oliver school lunch age. For one thing, schools these days have "nutritional guidelines," and they actually pay attention to what kids are eating” (Lunau) (Note Card #1, Quote #2). Healthier lunches and snacks at school will enable children to make smarter choices with what they …show more content…
Their actions are highly influenced by other peers and teachers that they see everyday. It is important to provide a child with a healthy background so they are prepared for anything. “Poor eating habits developed at an early age lead to a lifetime of real health consequences” (Codey). It is best to start a healthy diet at a young age to avoid any risks in the future. This is hard to execute when junk food is available at all times. “School is where children spend most of their time, and it is where we lay the foundation for healthy habits” (Codey). A student at a school filled with junk food may make poor decisions down the road with their eating