Childhood Obesity in the 5th Grade - Essay Example

"Childhood Obesity in the 5th Grade" is a good example of a paper on child development.

Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate causing concerns not only at the national but also at the international level (Popkin, et al, 2006). There has been a significant rise in the number of obese children in the Latino community in the last few years mainly because of their lifestyle and diet (Trasande et al, 2009). There are a number of factors responsible for childhood obesity among Latino children. Less physical activities and consumption of oily and high-calorie food are some of the top reasons (Finkelstein et al, 2009). As per the research conducted by the California Health Interview Survey, it was found that out of the 500 children in the Long Beach Area (who were interviewed), 75% reported that they had been physically active for at least 60 minutes per day, 77% reported to had eaten fruits and vegetables every day, and 9% reported to had consumed fast food. The results were quite astonishing as surveyed children were obese and their answers reflect their consciousness for being nutritious conscious.

As per the research conducted by an organization named Re Thinking Greater Long Beach, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 5000 children in Long Beach Area was collected and analyzed in relation to the ethnicity, socio-economic status, proximity of food retailers, and role of parents in offering a balanced diet to children. It was found that 31% of fifth-graders were obese and obesity is on a rise, in low-income areas but the number of obese children is roughly the same in all areas. It was also found that proximity to food retailers and little guidance of parents in choosing a balanced diet were also the main reasons behind childhood obesity (Puente, 2012). The present literature is more or less concentrating on analyzing the BMI in relation to other demographic and social factors and can be considered as an ideal way. However, the inclusion of motivation and empowerment through guidance and awareness should also be included to ascertain the reasons behind childhood obesity among Latino children. The current program will help fill gaps in knowledge pertaining to the role of parents and motivation.

Problem We Are Studying

The problem that we are studying is based on childhood obesity in the 5th grade of Latino Community from 10-12 years of age in the Long Beach Area. In order to study the problem more logically, aims, objectives, and hypotheses have been formulated revolving around childhood obesity among Latino children in relation to the role of parents, balanced diet, food choices, teaching and awareness, and the importance of physical activities. We are studying the problem at the macro level with the goal of offering education to children and parents in terms of making healthy food choices, reading food labels before consuming them, and focus on physical activities.

Why is the Problem Important to the Scientific Field

The problem is not only important to the scientific field but also to the economic and social fields. Medical Science has answers to all sorts of health complications and factors causing obesity are well known. However, still, a number of researches are conducted to ascertain something new causing obesity (Phillipson, 2001).  As children are considered as the future of any nation, their well being is very important and obesity causes severe other health complications. So, it is important from scientific aspect to seek reasons and answers for obesity along with reducing it impact that, in turn, will help in balancing the social and economic environment through the active participation of young children (Powell and Bao, 2009)

How Does Our Proposed Project will Change the World

This project will help in creating awareness in the Latino community in terms of understanding the consequences of obesity along with educating parents and children on the role of diet and physical activities in reducing obesity. The project will help in understanding the reasons for obesity and identifying ways through which it can be managed. The initiated program pertaining to educating and creating awareness is aimed to create a health-conscious world.