Is Childhood Obesity A Government Regulatory Concern - Essay Example

Childhood Obesity: Is It a Government Issue? Introduction The number of overweight and obese children in the United States, and all over the world, is increasing every day. Children with weight issues are more likely to suffer from bullying, low self esteem, social isolation, and depression, but, also, are at risk of any number of weight related health conditions; many of which, if unaddressed and untreated, can be fatal. This worldwide issue has gained the attention of many social organizations who are invested in finding means of slowing and, ideally, eliminating obesity among children, once and for all, The government has, also, taken an interest; including First lady Michelle Obama. The United States government is considering the implementation of regulations that would limit the availability of “junk foods,” fast food advertising, and, ideally, eliminate the environments that have supported or contributed to obesity. There is some support for the government in this endeavor. These supporters feel it may be the only way to truly decrease child obesity statistics. However, there is opposition that holds firm that government intervention in this issue is inappropriate, not feasible and wholly unrealistic, Finding agreeable and functional solutions and answering the question, is childhood obesity a government issue? The answer is a unanimous, no. No, it is not a government issue. We sincerely do not need the U.S. government to regulate our diets in order to turn the tide on childhood obesity. History In order to understand the issue better it is necessary to gain more thorough understanding of the significance of obesity. The definition of “overweight” involves the combining of, not only, excess body fat, but, also, water, bone, and muscle; while obesity is more specific, it focuses solely on the presence of excessive body fat. Most people assume that obesity is caused by overeating and taking in more calories without expending enough energy to burn them off. However, that is only one possible cause. Obesity can be influenced and contributed to by genetic, cultural, environmental, and behavioral factors, which have nothing to do with caloric intake.1 In fact, there are numerous elements that can contribute to our body gaining and maintaining a higher than healthy body weight, from food additives, like MSG, to the nature of activity on a daily basis and from micronutrients or macronutrients to pesticides and hormones.2 In the past 30 years the instances of childhood obesity has doubles among children 6-11 years of age and tripled in adolescent children.3These numbers are only increasing. Looking at the United States map, top of next page, only three states, Oregon, Utah, and Montana have a percentile of childhood obesity of less than 25% and Mississippi shows a 40% or above ratio of childhood obesity within their state. It is these kinds of disturbing numbers that has many calling for actions to be taken to rectify and reduce these percentages. If the numbers are shocking, then the potential side effects and health risks of childhood obesity may leave, many, in a state of awe. As can be seen in the diagram, below, children suffering from obesity are at great risk of cardio vascular issues, like hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic Inflammation. Musculoskeletal side effects can include the flattening of feet and can contribute to degenerative joint disease. Gastrointestinal issues that develop into gallstones or liver fibrosis. Children who are obese are at greater risk of cancers, stroke, sleep apnea. asthma, and for developing polycystic ovary syndrome in females and hypogonadism in males. However one of the greatest threats to obese children is the potential risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and, of course, the side effects of that condition, which includes the need for insulin, vision loss, and circulation issues.4 As can be seen the futures of obese children can be rather grim. Hence why the need for action has been identified. However, as yet, there are no agreeable and feasible solutions that have been completely accepted. Discussion As mentioned previously, the United States government has suggested regulations that could turn the tide on childhood obesity. The consensus being that only through the implementation of policies, laws, and regulations can the government drive the social changes that will have a significant effect on this issue. They will assess childhood obesity considering public liability, urban planning, and agriculture to determine the specifics of “obesogenic” environments. They will focus much of their attention on direct legislation that affects school meals and advertising geared to appeal to children.5 Supporters of government intervention in this issue believe this is only way to accomplish tangible and calculable decreases in the prevalence of childhood obesity. First Lady Michelle Obama has taken a vested interest in finding solution to this problem. Advertising to children is a common practice. However, many feel that it is this marketing that is endorsing children to desire unhealthy food options. The internet, television, magazines, even “junk mail” coupons are regularly accessible to children. Supporter of regulation feel that strong and forceful government action is the only way to eliminate this sort of advertising and prevent children from ever being inspired by such marketing approaches. Many powerful food manufacturers have agreed to improve the child-friendly advertising to include encouragement of healthy choices.6 In kind, many schools have eliminated unnecessary desert items from their menus and are willing to participate in promoting healthier lifestyles and futures for young children. Supporters of government regulation feel that those concessions are hardly enough and are not producing the significant results that regulations might create. In complete contrary, the opposition to government regulation feels that it is an unnecessary and intrusive presumption of the United States government. It is the responsibilities of parents to instill healthy eating habits and encourage appropriate physical activity. Government representatives promoting regulation have referred to such policies as, “hard paternalism,” simply put, the government will be our father admonishing and controlling our behaviors.7 This is, for many, an offensive insinuation inferring that American citizens are children and are not capable of making decisions for themselves and their families. This “government knows best” mentality is a proverbial slap in the face for many American citizens who believe firmly that the solution to childhood obesity will be found in the accountability of parents and strength of the American family.8 The issue of childhood obesity is a valid and serious concern, but government regulations have no direct place in this issue. Logically speaking many among the opposition feel that the causes and contributing factors of childhood obesity are so varied and differing that finding a single solution will not have the significant decreases that are hoped for; regardless of how much tax payer monies are invested.9 Finally the opposition, also, expresses a lack of trust in the government, claiming that their behaviors are sometimes duplicitous. It is the government that encouraged greater cheese consumption by Americans in order to compensate for failings in milk sales. The government preaches eating right, but continues to maintain lower costs for unhealthy foods, while fresh fruits and vegetables are priced much higher.10 Issues It is obvious, given the differing perspectives on how to address this issue, which makes finding a solution is no easy feat. There are many people in this country who are completely comfortable turning to the government to repair problems that are not, necessarily, government concerns. Childhood obesity is definitely a healthcare concern and, given all of the contributing factors, it is definitely a social issue, but not clearly a government one. Many American citizens feel that attempting government regulation will, ultimately, be an affront to a culturally diverse country. This is why a “one size fits all” solutions and generalized regulations are not feasible and such government action equates to invasion of privacy, right into our refrigerators and pantries. In many American households ethnic diversity plays a role in the meals that are prepared in those homes. A good example is the diets of families of Hispanic and Asian descent; both, have a high carb food items, like tortillas and rice, as a mainstay, staple of their diets. If regulations enacted by the United States government found that the carbohydrates are a dangerous contributor to childhood obesity they may restrict the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of these food items. This could, easily, be construed as a cultural insult. However, other ethnic or cultural groups would be less affected by such restrictions.11 This would create an unfair imbalance or biases in the regulations. Obesity has, already, been determined to be a global problem that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and cultures. This would render such regulations completely unfeasible, impractical, and unlikely to be successful. The “one size fits all” solutions, like government regulation, will ultimately be too general to address the epidemic of childhood obesity that has a multitude of sources and contributing factors; how could mass regulations be expected to return positive results? Aside from all of the elements and combinations of factors, there are, also, the instances of overweight, who are entirely healthy. There are a number of individuals who are high in weight but do not suffer from any of the typical negative side effects, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetic concerns. These individuals may, also, despite stereotyping, participate in healthful activities and exercise regularly regardless of their size. These people’s weight issues would be unaffected by regulations. Granted it verifies that government interference will not be nearly as efficient or cost effective as many would like to believe.12 Finally, are the ethical, political, and philosophical issues with the government being so heavily involved in the details of daily American life. Many people will never accept the presence of government regulation directly in their diets and at their dinner tables. They argue and ask, have we become so helpless that we as adults and parents cannot make the proper choices for ourselves and our children? Do we need the government to dictate our calories and food preferences as if we are children? Do you want government endorsed “food police” directing or admonishing unwanted behaviors. They respond with resounding, “No’s.” They are adamant that such regulations would not be in the spirit of “freedom” that this country was founded.13 Solutions Clearly, solutions that will be agreeable to both sides of the argument and be a, potentially, feasible, efficient, and effective in reducing the instances of childhood obesity is a debate that will continue for some time. Ultimately it will only be through a compromise of possible solutions that will, ultimately, lead to realistic, beneficial decreases in childhood obesity statistics. It will require all “players” watchdog groups, science organizations, consumers, government, and the food production and manufacturing industry, that endorses self regulation that meets the needs of conscientious advertising, actively encourages healthy dietary options, allows healthy food options to be available for all American consumers, and does not involve direct or invasive government policy actions.14 Most of the supporters of government regulations claim this is “too little, too late;” in other words, the United States epidemic, worldwide pandemic, childhood obesity has become is just too immense of an issue for individuals and industry of self regulation to hope to make a difference. Direct government policy will be the only way to make a realistic dent in the problem and force Americans to comply. Government force will not be received well by the people of the United States. People would likely be more offended by the “government looking over their shoulders,” and forget all about the issue that was trying to be solved. That said, it becomes obvious that compromise is the only logical means to maintain focus on the issue. Overall, the best possible way to effect childhood obesity is to prevent it; this alone will make the most significant means to turn the tide on the prevalence of childhood obesity is to prevent its occurrences. Families must encourage healthier lifestyles including conscious eating habits and appropriate physical activity in their children and themselves. More schools should take nutrition considerations seriously on their menus they offer their students. It is imperative that parents are actively involved in the relationship that their children have with food.15Many scholars feel that only a socioecological framework should be considered when approaching childhood obesity will be beneficial because it will weigh all of the racial, cultural, and ethnic elements that will help guide in the fight against childhood obesity; this will be beneficial in all of the diverse American households.16 However the greater allies in the prevention of childhood obesity are parents leading their families by example; an example, they choose to embrace, not one they are forced to. Conclusion In the end, we do have to be accountable for ourselves. We today know that fast food, junk food, and comfort foods are, generally, not the healthiest for us to eat all of the time. Today we are not ignorant to the reality that if one take-in more calories than their physical activities allow them to burn then weight gain is the likely result in many cases. The children of today are growing up in a world dependent upon technology and automation, all of which requires less and less physical output beyond the click of a mouse. Do we, also, want a generation of children who need their federal government to tell them what they can and cannot eat? Adults, parents, we are responsible for this world we have created; therefore we must be accountable in fixing the problem. The government regulations will be costly, ineffective, and threaten to place more government control over American children’s’ lives. This is truly a social issue; one that can be resolved through education, awareness, parental involvement, school participation, and the industry presenting healthier advertising and products where the target demographic is children; then we will see a profound improvement in childhood obesity statistics. Ultimately, it is a matter of teaching self restraint and self motivation, which is far better than to teach children to look to the “powers that be” to tell them how and what to eat. Truly this is an issue where government does not directly belong. Work Cited Caprio, Sonia, Stephen R. Daniels , and Jeffrey B. Schwimmer. "Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture on Childhood Obesity: Implications for Prevention and Treatment." Diabetes Care. no. 11 (2008): 2211-2221. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2571048/ (accessed July 27, 2013). Cary, Mary Kate. "Michelle Obama's Childhood Obesity Plan Too Much to Swallow?." U.S. News. (2010): 1. http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/mary-kate-cary/2010/05/13/michelle-obamas-anti-obesity-plan-too-much-to-swallow (accessed July 27, 2013). Hagelin, Rebecca. "Parents, not Government, Should Combat Obesity." Townhall. (2012): 1. http://townhall.com/columnists/rebeccahagelin/2012/03 Resenberg , Martha. "8 Surprising Things That May Be Making Americans Fat." Alternet. (2012): 1-3. http://www.alternet.org/story/155682/8_surprising_things_that_may_be_making_americans_fat (accessed July 27, 2013). Robb, Douglas . " 45 Reasons Why America is Obese." Health Habit. (2012): 1. http://www.healthhabits.ca/2012/05/11/45-reasons-america-obese/ (accessed July 27, 2013). Sharma, Lisa L., Stephen P. Teret , and Kelly D. Brownell. "The Food Industry and Self-Regulation: Standards to Promote Success and to Avoid Public Health Failures." American Journal of Public Health. no. 2 (2010): 240-246. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804645/ (accessed July 27, 2013). Swinburn, Boyd A. "Obesity prevention: the role of policies, laws and regulations." Australia & New Zealand Health Policy. no. 12 (2008): 1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440375/ (accessed July 27, 2013). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, . "Childhood Obesity Facts." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013): 1. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm (accessed July 27, 2013). Read More