Analysis of Childhood Obesity in America

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The overall rate of obesity for children comes in at 17 percent, or about 12.5 million obese children in America today (Doheny 1). The number of children who are obese is growing at a fast rate. Most cases of childhood obesity are caused by eating too much and exercising too little. Extra weight puts children at a risk of serious health problems; such as, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma (Smith 1). Although obesity can be prevented, it has become a growing problem among children due to several factors that lead to health problems.

Obesity is defined as excess body fat. Body fat can be difficult to measure directly, so obesity is measured by body mass index (BMI). The United States government states that each individual should intake 1500 to 1800 calories and 50 to 60 grams of fat per day (Getting Started 1). Michael Phelps consumed 15000 calories everyday when training for the Olympics. The reason Phelps is not obese is because he exercised enough to burn all the extra calories and fat he consumed everyday. If a person eats more calories than he/she burns, then the results is weight gain.

Exercise, food, technology, and money all play a role in causing childhood obesity. Lack of exercise among adolescents has been proven to be the leading cause of childhood obesity. According to a May 2012 Institute of Medicine report, only half of America’s children and one in four teens get enough activity to meet current guidelines (Doheny and Noonman 1). The recommendations call for children to participate in at least 60 minutes of vigorous to moderate physical activity every day (Hendrick 1). “Only four percent of elementary schools, eight percent of middle schools, and two percent of high schools provide daily physical ...

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...Linked to Child Obesity”. Health. 5 Jan 2004. CBS News. 8 April 2014 .

“Getting Started: What Is Obesity?” lets move.gov. Let’s Move. 7 April 2014 .

Hendrick, Bill. “Survey Shows Children Aren't Following Recommendations for Daily Physical Activity”. WedbMD: 1-2.

“Many U.S. Children Not Getting Enough Exercise”. calsouthern.edu. 13 April 2011. California Southern University. 12 March 2014 .

Noonman, Peggy. “Tips To Make Sure Your Kid Stays Fit”. USAToday. Sep 2013: 1-2.

“Weight Problems and Obesity In Children”. Helping Your Child Reach and Maintain a Helathy Weight. Feb 2014. Help Guide. 12 March 2014 .

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