Factors that Influence what we Eat
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in America today and it can have serious health consequences for many children. There are many factors that have contributed to this major issue. The following are some of these.
Children are eating far too much of the wrong food
Every day the lines are long at the fast food restaurants with children ordering fat laden hamburgers, French fries filled with saturated fat and sugary soft drinks. Even school lunches are often extremely unhealthy. Many parents are opting for convenience instead of healthy eating. They may keep candy and desserts in the house and be so busy that they don’t even notice when the kids eat them. Many kids have plenty of fat-laden meats but have few fresh fruits and vegetables with the powerful nutrients and minerals that they need. Fries are the closest things to vegetables that many children consume. Unhealthy pizza and hot dogs have become the rule instead of the exception for a lot of families. Eating all of these high calorie foods can help the children pack on the pounds in a very rapid fashion. Also, many of the portions served in America are much more than they should be. Children watch their parents get served meals that might be three portions and they might follow suit in eating the same amount of food.
Lack of exercise
In many schools they are actually limiting physical education. They may be focused on standardized tests like the controversial FCAT in Florida. Since many adults do not exercise themselves the children do not learn the benefits of it.
Children are more sedentary
Whereas at one time you would see children all over America’s streets playing tag, baseball and basketball, now many of these kids play the same games as video games. They may watch a lot of television or sit on the computer all day. Also, whereas at one time many people would walk to nearby places, now many people seem to take their cars even to somewhere that would just be a five minute walk. Children burn far more calories when they are being active than when they are just sitting down doing nothing.
Steps should be taken to address the issues of childhood obesity before it is too late. Exercise should be taught in the schools and emphasized, school lunches should be healthier and parents should encourage their kids to eat better food. The above factors should be looked at as influencing factors.
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Helium 360 – Living Healthy 360
LIVING HEALTHY PROJECT 20100801 – 20100831
Factors that Affect your Weight
by Suzanne Rose
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