When I graduate high school, I want to:
(A) Become a rock star
(B) Travel the World
(C) Go to College
(D) Suffer from obesity
Chances are not one person answering this question choose option D. However, obesity among America’s children and teenagers has reached a staggering number—nine million kids have been diagnosed as clinically obese in the United States. Health experts are calling this rise in obesity a national epidemic that needs immediate attention. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the number of obese children has tripled in the past 30 years—leaving 15 percent of American children aged 6 to 11 years in the “considerably overweight” category. What is even scarier is that the statistics for minority children are even bigger—25 percent of Black and Hispanic kids are overweight. But, the most frightening part of this entire situation is that adolescents who suffer from obesity are on the fast-track to having high cholesterol levels, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. As a result, their life expectancy has been shortened by decades.
“Kids aren’t at parks anymore. Eating is their exercise.” ~Bob, 25~
Who or What is to blame for obese children?
Lifestyle and life choices are two things to point the finger at. With Xboxes, computers and television dominating a kid’s life, they are moving less and sitting more. In the age when we did not have all these techno gadgets, kids had the option to either play outside or to hit the local YMCA. Maybe it is time to turn off that computer, TV or video game and to go get the blood pumping with a little exercise! The parks are empty; someone needs to go play in them.
Another poor life choice is eating fast food. Burger joints and hot dog stands might be great pit stops when you are jonesing for some high fat treats—but you should rarely eat at these places. Yet, Burger King showed a 40 percent rise in profits after kids stopped by the fast-food place to pick up their free themed Xbox games if they purchased a BK Value meal for $3.99! Other fast food chains have admitted that the target consumers are kids. After all, why do you think those free toys are coming in those Happy Meals?—I guarantee our parents are not secretly hitting McD’s to complete their “Cars” toy set.
“Parents are partially at fault for their child’s weight.” ~Ann, 17~
But, kids are not all to blame on this for fast food. Parents who think fast food provides an easy meal and prevents them from cooking lavish meals are only fooling themselves and hurting their kid’s health. Medical experts repeat the same anthem: kids mirror their parent’s eating habits. So, if your parents fill up on cake, cookies, fast food treats and other fatty foods, chances are that you will eat those things too. Just think, when your mom or dad puts food on the table, you probably are not the one that cooked it, you are just there to eat it. Another problem is that families rarely eat together anymore and when left alone, kids are more likely to eat fattier and more sugary foods. But then again, who does not eat more when they are alone? Who is watching you take down that extra handful of onion rings?
Still, what happens when parents are not around? A Harvard University study pertaining to obesity conducted in 2005—which focused on obesity among high school students in Chicago—found that fast food restaurants clutter around high schools and elementary schools. One such school is Lane Tech on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Directly across the street from the school are: a Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Subway and a Baskin Robbins. Literally, students can walk less than 50 yards from the door of the school and are on fast-food row. One McDonald’s employee who works at the McDonald’s near this campus—who asked for anonymity—said she sees the same kids coming in for fast food two to three times a day. In other words, these kids are basically eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at McDonald’s.
Some fast food executives are outraged that Harvard’s study suggests they target schools. However, most of the food companies did admit that a lot of decisions go into restaurant locations and that they typically try to put a drive-thru in a heavy traffic area—whether that be around a school or off of a freeway. However, it is true that places like McDonald’s, Burger King, etc, offer healthy alternatives at their restaurants like: salads, flame-broiled tenders with apple sauce instead of fries and offer healthy beverages like low fat milk and bottled water. But, lets be honest here, if I am going take down a Whopper, I am not washing it down with milk people! Give me my Coke now! Despite my own mission to be a health freak, I have never once pulled up to a drive-thru, tongue-wagging at all the colorful pictures of burgers and fries and lets not forget those crispy chicken tenders and said, “Yeah, can I have the salad with low fat dressing and a water.” Not to be critical or bias, but I have never met one person who refers to McDonald’s, Arby’s or some equivalent food chain giant as the highway to a healthy diet. And, I will admit, no one forces me to order the calorie filled meals, but those menu pictures are the food world’s own source of peer pressure.
Another problem feeding obesity is the economy. Healthy foods are often more expensive than a bag of chips, box of cookies or a 2-liter of soda. In addition, healthy foods like fruits and vegetables have a shorter shelf life than a sugary box of cereal or frozen ice cream. And, cooking at home requires the use of a microwave, stove top or oven. All of these kitchen appliances rack up electric bills—costing families money they do not have. Also, cooking dinner takes time and energy and most low-income families work more than the typical 8 hour shifts. By the time one’s parent(s) get home from work, it is late and kids have either already filled up on those high calorie snacks or are so hungry they need a quick fix—so out rolls the bag of burgers or the can of sodium packed Spaghetti O’s.
“Some kids are so overweight, child services should get involved.” ~Abby, 23~
But what can be done?
To wage war on obesity, parents and kids need to take charge. Together parents and children can make the decision to eat healthier. Moms and Dads can make an extra effort to not go to fast food restaurants and to promote healthy eating among their children through example. Also, if parents do not stock their pantries and fridges with pop, chips, dip, ice cream and other bad foods, kids will not be able to eat them as easily.
In addition, kids need to be more active. Instead of plopping down on the couch for that marathon afternoon and night of TV, make sure to walk at least a mile each day. And, try not to eat unhealthy things if you are sitting around lounging.
Finally, schools can take part in this fight too. High schools and elementary schools (and some already have) can take candy and soda machines out of schools and replace them with healthier items. High schools can also choose to not let kids leave campus for lunch—making fast food joints a NON option. Teachers should also take the time to educate students on healthy food choices and responsible eating. If educators take endless amounts of time lecturing kids on drugs and alcohol—two horrible things for one’s body—what is stopping frequent lectures on proper eating habits and portion sizes?
Can you think of any other ways we can curb the obesity epidemic?
To find out the calorie count in some fast food items, click the following link:
http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF00989E1E00070098E27A/