One study reports children's quality of life to be impaired to a point comparable with children being treated for cancer." (Burberry et al
The research conducted for this account is driven by the following research question: What are the prevailing social conditions and familial habits which result in a psychological conditioning rendering children vulnerable to obesity? In the literature review to follow, the selection and analysis of sources is underscored by the knowledge that obesity and its correlated effects may be linked to such broad sociological effects as reduced overall productivity, increased medical liability, shorter life-expectancy and a worsening set of economic consequences in succeeding generations of Americans. (Finkelstein et al
Psychologists have found dietary habits learned early on can have a strong effect on adult eating patterns and, consequently, the probability of becoming overweight or obese." (Gaynon, 1) This indicates that early allowance of negative dietary habits is likely to have damning effects on a child's future psychological relationship with consumption
Depression is commonly a problem and it appears to be prospectively predicted by levels of body dissatisfaction and eating disturbance." (Thompson, 11) The reciprocal relationship between obesity and negative psychological conditions is further magnified by the quality of life issues related to obesity's considerable physical and social implications
The prevalence of obesity in adults aged 60 and older is estimated to increase to 37% by 2010 and thus will affect over 20 million people in the United States. (Arterburn, 2004)
In a study conducted by 1625 nursing homes in Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New York and South Dakota for a period of 10 years, from 1992-2002, it was found that the rate of obese patients increased from 15% in 1992 to 25% in 2002. (Lapane & Resnik, 2005)
"Considering the predictive ability of LEP for subsequent falls, increased disability, repeated hospitalizations, nursing home placement, and mortality, the findings of this study offer one explanation for reports that indicate that the burden of healthcare cost of obesity grows disproportionately with individuals who are most obese." (Sharkey, Ory & Branch
00 (City Data, 2012). But against this background of prosperity, there have been just too many fat children lately, so that Congress would like to interfere when public schools planned to cut back on physical education expenses (Hotakainen, 2012)
There are some that suggest that a national plan encouraging obesity prevention will encourage dissatisfaction with one's body and further the problems associated with eating disorders. As Mary Ray Worley points out, such a focus on body image causes immense self-hatred to self acceptance emphasizing just how difficult a time fat people have in coping with body image (Behrens & Rosen, 2001)
A national plan that focuses on raising public awareness about obesity and encouraging as well as teaching healthy eating habits beginning at the school level is necessary for the epidemic that is obesity to be halted in its tracks. Crister suggests that obesity can be stopped in its tracks if it is addressed in childhood (Crister, 2001)
Further Crister asserts that controlling obesity early in life is critical to ensure healthy habits that last a lifetime (Crister, 2001). Crister is supported by Koplan and Dietz who point out that Americans are becoming dangerously fatter each and every year (Koplan & Dietz, 1999)
There could also be resistance from school districts because of the pressure to hire additional staff to supervise the physical activity, although that pay would be eligible for federal subsidies. Overcoming Barriers "Many factors affect the policymaking process, including successful advocacy" (Brownson et al
"A little more than half of students nationwide are enrolled in a physical education class, and by high school only a third take gym class daily" (Sealey, 2013). Moreover, children are frequently unable to engage in physical activity outside of school; "if playgrounds are unsafe, parents will not let their kids play there" (Isaacs & Swartz, 2010)
Supporting Evidence Currently, many children lack the opportunity for safe and structured physical activity. "A little more than half of students nationwide are enrolled in a physical education class, and by high school only a third take gym class daily" (Sealey, 2013)
The "Stop Sugarcoating It, Georgia" television advertisement series was a controversial Georgia-based initiative which showed photos of obese children in a very negative light as a way of motivating their parents to see that their children's weight was a problem. "The ads are modeled after anti-smoking and anti-methamphetamine campaigns intended to shock the audience" (Lohr 2012)
Studies on habit formation in young children drove our efforts to get healthier food and more physical activity into child care centers" (Obama 2014). There have also been calls for Congress to "provide explicit direction to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restrict the advertisement of unhealthy foods during children's programming" (Mikailova 2014)
When data showed that the lack of nearby grocery stores negatively affected people's eating habits, we worked to get more fresh-food retailers into underserved areas. Studies on habit formation in young children drove our efforts to get healthier food and more physical activity into child care centers" (Obama 2014)
"A little more than half of students nationwide are enrolled in a physical education class, and by high school only a third take gym class daily…And it's not like most kids are making up for lost gym classes by working out on their own time. More than 60% of children aged 9 to 13 do not participate in any organized physical activity during their non-school hours" (Sealey 2013)
There has also been a conflict regarding setting standards for school lunches, in some cases from the students and parents themselves, who are resistant to the notion that cafeterias should be providing healthier foods instead of the foods children most naturally gravitate to in terms of their eating habits. According to one high school principal: "There is a reduction in nacho chips, there is a reduction in garlic bread, but there's actually an increase in fruits and vegetables…That's a tough sell for kids, and I would be grumbling, too, if I was 17 years old" (Yee 2012)
Obesity in America Introduction to Obesity Causes and Effects of Obesity Treatment and Programs for Obesity Obesity Prevention: Conclusions and Recommendations Obesity Introduction to Obesity While it is common knowledge that many Americans are overweight, many people are surprised to hear that the number of people who are severely obese (at least 100 pounds overweight) has quadrupled since 1986, according to research (Gilles, 2003)