Child Obesity

Obesity is a very large problem in the United States. It is a problem that affects almost every American in one way or another. Because growing obesity among Americans is causing many health problems, leading to social prejudice, and burdening health care, the federal government and the general public should fund and support programs to prevent and treat the widespread epidemic.

All the hype and criticism revolving around obesity is not simply a complaint against fat individuals by those who find them unattractive. "The primary concern of overweight and obesity is one of health and not appearance" (Conquering 26). The health risks involved with obesity are very real and are increasing the risks of having heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It is commonly known that roughly 2/3 of the American population is overweight or obese. "An estimated 400,000 adult deaths each year in the U.S. are associated with obesity" (Conquering 26). This is over 1,000 Americans that are dying per day because of a problem that has grown immensely over the past 20 years. The deaths related to obesity are only second to tobacco related health problems and are predicted to surpass them shortly.

There exist various causes of obesity, especially in children. Childhood obesity can be the result of three basic causes: genetics/heredity, poor nutrition, and little physical activity. "The rate of children being overweight triples with maternal overweight status and quadruples with maternal obesity status" (Monti 1). This is a problem that can be prevented even before the child is born. This does not mean that a child gets fat because he eats the same fatty foods as his parents during his adolescence. This is a genetic problem as well. The child of an obese mother could be adopted by a family whose parents are skinny and this child would still have increased chances of being overweight.

Not all causes of obesity can be blamed on genetics. "We know that a genetic link exists for many who are overweight; however, the family food environment, including parents' own eating behavior and child-feeding practices can play a large role