but not to be worshiped.
It is our future in which we will find our greatness.
The question that many people have is, who is responsible for the high rise of obesity? Many people feel that obesity is the parents fault. However, families are not the only factor. Heredity is only one factor towards obesity; obese children are likely to have at least one obese parent. Family eating habits also play a role in creating obese children, as adults are the people that purchase the food for children and may give high calorie food as a treat or reward, which is more likely to lead to obesity (Berk, 1999).
Socio-economical status also has an influence on obesity in children, as healthy food is normally more expensive than food that is full of sugar or fat. Fast food adverts also play a part in obesity. Research shows that fast food adverts are developed and shown where children are most likely to see them. More fast food adverts are shown during 5pm to 7pm where most children are likely to be watching tv (Berg, 2005). This can create a frenzy as many children want to have fast food through watching these, so if adverts where not shown to children it can decrease the obesity rate. Out of sight out of mind (Berg, 2005).
Television also plays a large part in the obesity rate for children. 73% of New Zealand children watch less than two hours of television during the week through this result, it is presumed that more than a quarter of New Zealand children watch more than two hours of television (O’Brian & Taylor, 2004). On weekends, 60% of children watched television for less than four hours however that leaves 40% of children watching more than four hours of television on the weekend alone. O’Brian and Taylor (2004) say “there is good evidence to suggest that watching television for extended periods is one major factor in weight gain” (p. 57).there is nothing wrong with watching television though it needs to be done in moderation just like everything else.
Many things in childrens society can impact on the children becoming obese. Obesity is not only passed through genetics but also through the environment that they live and grow up in. There is no one-thing that is responsible for the growing rate of obesity in children it is a combination of everything.
References:
Berg, F. M. (2005), Underage and overweight: Our childhood obesity crisis – what every family needs to know. Long Island City: N.Y: Hatherleigh Press.
Berk, L. E. (1999). Infants and children: Prenatal through middle childhood. (3rd ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Mhurchu, C. N. (2007). The price of healthy eating: cost and nutrient value of selected regular and healthier supermarket foods in New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/120-1248/2388/
O’Brian, B. & Taylor, Dr. R. (2004). The f word: A New Zealand Guide to preventing childhood obesity. Auckland, New Zealand: David Bateman Ltd.
