Childhood Obesity and the Fast Food Connection - Research Paper Example

? Looking at the Factors: Childhood Obesity and the Fast Food Connection Due Introduction When people seea highly overweight, or obese, person there are many things that occur to these spectators, many of which are not pleasant and much more may not be true. The person they see must be lazy. The person they see must eat like a “pig.” This person is tremendously unhealthy. If they cared about themselves they would change their size. When the obese individual is a child, then the negative reactions of others have can be far worse; other children can be the most unkind. Such overweight and obese children are, often, the recipients of consistent harassment, cruel taunts, and likely, bullying. Unfortunately, the number of children falling into the category of obese, or well on their way to becoming obese, is growing and has been for some time. Why are children battling issues of obesity at younger and younger ages? There are multiple theories about the different aspects and elements of modern society that are contributory to the issue of childhood obesity. Many researchers favor the idea that it is the fast food industry that can, and should, be blamed for this unhealthy trend in childhood weight gain. Although, it is unlikely, that fast food alone can be held entirely responsible; however, it is most certainly a contributor. Background A child can be classified as overweight if their “body mass Index,” or BMI, is higher than the 85th percentile for their age and gender. Obesity is determined when a child’s BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for their gender and age. The number of children that fall into these percentiles has, essentially, tripled over the last 3 decades. (Miller , Rosenbloom, and Silverstein 1) The dangers for children who are overweight or obese are at risk to contract or develop a number very serious diseases and conditions; cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and prediabetes, which can eventually evolve into actual diabetes. Children who are obese may, also, face unpleasant social isolation, which can lead to psychological and self esteem issues. Overweight and obese children are considerably more likely to grow up to me overweight and obese adults. At which point they, potentially, become even more at risk of developing the aforementioned conditions, but, also, joint problems and heightened risk of developing cancers of the prostate, cervix, breast, pancreas, bladder, and kidney to name a few. Given a bit more time, at this rate, obesity, or complications caused by it, will become the number 1 cause of death in the United States.(Miller, Rosenbloom, and Silverstein 1) Because childhood obesity is a concern that does not seem to be slowing down or stopping, much research has been done to determine causes that have allowed childhood obesity to increase so much, preventions that can combat these modern causes, and treatments to improve the health and lives who are presently overweight or obese. There are a multitude of contributing factors, some genetic, others environmental, and some are related to the nature and quality of the food that they consume. ("Childhood Obesity") Fast food, like pizza, tacos, burgers and fries, and all the franchises open all times and hours, has earned a finger pointed their direction as the pan-ultimate cause of childhood obesity. Although not all researchers agree, but the fast food industry does absolutely play a significant part. Discussion The modern society we live in today is so very different from generations that came before us. The nature of jobs and entertainment have all become far more sedentary with all of the new technological advances; televisions, video games, and computers encourage longer and longer periods devoid of physical activity. The children are a product of that environment. It has, also, been determined that our modern world is far more dangerous than it once was, children’s parents are less comfortable with their children playing outside, parks and playgrounds are under-funded, and there are, of course, people out there with ill intentions. All of these things can contribute to an encouragement of a more sedentary lifestyle. Children who are obese are even more likely to seek non-physical, indoor, activities because they are often ostracized from peer activities and social groups.("Childhood Obesity") Fast food has been the convenient solution to quick meals, often on the run, with little or no preparation. Its inception was the very profitable response to an increasingly faster paced world. The stresses make the greasy, deep-fried, condiment covered, extra cheesy comfort foods as a kind of convenient reward. However, fast food is not just marketed to busy working adults; children are, also, a key demographic of the fast food industry. Presently, all fast food franchises have some form of a “children’s meal,” which are advertised using toys, animated environments, child-friendly characters, music, and on occasion the promotion of on-site playgrounds.(Miller , Rosenbloom, and Silverstein 1) It is obvious who the targeted age ranges that they were intended to appeal to. Also, fast food franchises are everywhere, close to schools and regular shopping areas, giving young people easy access to all that those commercials have to offer. In economically diminished communities there are often few grocery stores and therefore limited access to healthy food options, however fast food restaurants flourish in low-economic communities. It is these poor communities where fast food does have distinct impact on the obesity in the young. However, it is inadvertent, businesses, like chain grocery stores, will not open in poor and, often, dangerous communities. Fast food becomes the only local option.("Childhood Obesity") It is not just the presence of fast food that has some researchers from pointing their fingers at these companies. It is, also, about, specifically, the foods that they serve. Of course, most fast food is, by and large, not at all particularly healthy and certainly has a high caloric value. More so, it is the size of the portions they serve, which is much larger that it has ever been. (Miller , Rosenbloom, and Silverstein 1) In an article, for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the authors, Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Kathleen L. Keller, and Steven B. Heymsfield, discuss that the blame can, also, be placed upon the modern consumption of soda, which is a staple beverage of the fast food industry. They explained that the increase of soda in-take has mirrored the growth in childhood obesity, as well as, weight gain overall.(1069-1070) Combining all of these high calories, larger than average portions, sugary sodas, child-friendly marketing, convenience, and lifestyles that are more sedentary, weight gain is inevitable. After all, weight gain or loss is the, primarily, a response to taking in more or less calories than activities allow them to burn.(Whelan 1) So it is obvious by the evident research that fast food does, in fact, make a contribution to the current childhood obesity epidemic that is effecting millions of children, in the United States and all over the world. However, as stated earlier not all the blame can be placed on the fast food industry. In fact, some researchers feel that it is just an attempt to make a scapegoat of a convenient consumer industry.(Smith) It is an unfair accusation. Young children who are obese are not the ones providing themselves with food that may be unhealthy for them, their parents are. Some researchers are convinced that the stressful lives of single parents, also a trend that has increased in that last 3 decades, as well, is resulting in fast food becoming their dinner time “crutch;” more working parents has greatly reduced the number of healthy, home-cooked, meals provided within the home. Meals cooked at home, however, can be just as unhealthy and over-proportioned as anything a fast food restaurant has to offer. Foods identified as “junk foods,” pre-packaged and frozen foods found at the grocery stores, are hardly healthier choices.(Rochman 1) There are, also, genetic variables that cannot be ignored. Many overweight and obese children have predisposition for a greater amount of weight gain that is higher than the ideal average. The “thrifty” gene theory, explains that human beings are programmed with a gene that allows their bodies to gain weight and store fats in times of plenty and then they will survive better in times of famine. Since most people, in the United States, and in most developed countries, do not suffer from times of famine regularly, therefore obesity is the consequence of a society changing and adapting faster than human evolution. Studies conducted with twins have, also, shown that despite being raised in entirely different environments, appear to have similar propensity for weight gain that seems related to their shared biology and not upon that environment.(Miller, Rosenbloom, and Silverstein 1) Solutions So it is clear that childhood obesity is a serious concern. Fortunately, efforts are being taken to understand the different contributions to the childhood obesity present in the word and hopes of finding ways to eliminate its commonality. Treatment options involve changing of lifestyle, incorporating healthy diet and activity into these children’s lives is a must. In some cases medications may be implemented to aid in overcoming obesity. Educations, however, is really a valuable element to treatment. Educate, both, the children and their parents in how to facilitate weight loss and a beneficial future for their children and families as a whole.(Miller, Rosenbloom, and Silverstein 1) Surprisingly enough, the fast food industry is, also, making efforts, in their own way, to, not only, improve their menus, particularly in relation to children, and the ingredients that they use to encourage healthier options. Most fast food restaurants offer a printed menu showing the customers all of the ingredients and dietary value and the fat and caloric contents within the items they serve. This allows the consumers the opportunity to review their choices. They have, also, ,made the effort to change the “children’s meal” options, offering more healthy choices, like fruit cups instead of French Fries. Although, the call for the removal of all fast food advertising from children’s programming and networks, specifically, geared towards a younger demographic is a rather bold demand, that would probably not have the incredible effect they would be hoping for.(Imus) However, such an extreme ban on television commercials is, unlikely, to be well received, especially since fast food alone cannot be held solely responsible for the obesity concerns all over the world.(Whelan 1) Children are, in fact, not a “qualifying” consumer, they have no income; it is their parents responsibility to make the overall financial decisions and purchases. Ultimately, the most advantageous solution is prevention. Be educated about what you and your families are consuming. Teaching yourself and your children about the food “myths” that can be very misleading is an essential step in learning to be healthier. For example, items that read, “diet,” “fat free,” or “all natural,” does not necessarily mean that these items are healthy.(Hesketh, Waters, Green, and et al 1) Encourage children to participate in some kinds of physical activities. Creating a healthy relationship with food will help the young and old to consume meals more thoughtfully and with less risk of facing obesity and the health struggles that it can bring. Conclusion It is very clear, given all of the varying opinions and viable research, that the issue of childhood obesity is, in fact, a product of multiple causes and unforeseen consequences and cannot be blamed upon any one “culprit.” Modern society has become less active and busier simultaneously, leaving little time for exercise, cooking, and traveling or shopping for healthy dietary options; it is the fast, convenient, meals that fit into that lifestyle. Understanding childhood obesity is really a matter of being aware of what one feeds their children. It is easy to blame biology, economics, and the whole of the fast food industry, but that is a narrow minded course. We all need to be accountable and responsible in the choices we make in this life and the choices we make for the children in our lives. Childhood obesity is a very serious issue, but it is, both, treatable and, more importantly, preventable. Works Cited Hesketh, K., E. Waters, J. Green, et al. "Healthy eating, activity and obesity prevention: a qualitative study of parent and child perceptions in Australia." Oxford Journals. 20.1 (2005): 1. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Imus, Deirdre. "Limit fast food advertising toward kids, lower childhood obesity rates Read more: . Miller , Jennifer, Arlan Rosenbloom, and Janet Silverstein. "Childhood Obesity." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 89.9 (2004): 1. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Rochman, Bonnie. "Are Working Moms to Blame for Childhood Obesity? Read more: . Smith, Michael. "Obese Kids: Genes and Junk Food Share Blame." ABC News. ABC News Network, 9 Apr 2012. Web. 4 Mar 2013. . St-Onge, Marie-Pierre, Kathleen L. Keller, and Steven B. Heymsfield. "Changes in childhood food consumption patterns: a cause for concern in light of increasing body weights." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 78.6 (2003): 1068-1073. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Whelan, Elizabeth M. "What's Really Causing Childhood Obesity?." Forbes. 6 July 2011: 1. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . "Childhood Obesity." Children’s Defense Fund. Children's Defense Fund, n.d. Web. 4 Mar 2013. . Read More