First Three Paragraphs on Childhood Obesity

One out of every three American children is obese (10). This number should be cause for shock. The past few years our nation has experienced a massive increase in not only the number of obese adults, but also in the number of obese children. According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is measured using an individual’s body mass index, or BMI. Although this measurement does not directly measure body fat, it is a reasonable indicator of body fat (3). Based on the information available through the CDC, obesity is defined as, “a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex.” This large growth in the number of obese children in America has come to the attention of many organizations and individuals; people are finding ways to bring change to our nation and better the lives of our children.

The causes of childhood obesity are clear, poor eating habits and an unhealthy life style; in some cases obesity can be linked with genetic causes.  Children today are eating too many calories and not getting enough exercise, causing the pounds to pile up. The CDC has listed several causes for childhood, they are as follows; sugar drinks and less healthy foods on school campuses, advertising of less healthy foods, variation in licensure regulations among child care centers, lack of daily, quality physical activity in all schools, no safe and appealing place, in many communities, to play and be active, limited access to healthy ad affordable foods, greater availability of high-energy-dense foods and drinks, increasing portion sizes, and lastly television and media (3). These linked causes to childhood obesity have called concern into many organizations and individuals, bringing forth a reason for change.

There are several organizations and stakeholders that I have categorized by their motivations for change.  The first group I have identified are the ones who have recognized that this is a rapidly growing issue and are looking for ways to treat as well as prevent the growth of childhood obesity. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention plays a major role in recognizing what is and is not a potential risk to the nations health. It has recognized that obesity is becoming an increasing issue in our nation. The number of obese children in the United states has tripled in comparison to just one generation ago (3); these obese children will one day become adults and have to life with the consequences of their eating habits. The CDC has recognized several factors and causes of childhood obesity and it has become relevant to them that there need to be change. These children need to learn better eating habits, healthier lifestyles and have an overall system that promotes better health. The CDC encourages states and communities to find ways to change the eating habits of children and find ways to make their lives easier. Posted on their website, they have sizable lists of ways communities and states and parents can pursue change in their communities. The CDC is not directly involved in searching out a solution to the childhood obesity epidemic but they are at the forefront of encouragement and information for those who are looking for answers.