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.
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteI found your post to be very interesting to read. You made some interesting and relevant points. I find it hard to believe that most healthy food is more expensive than food that is bad for you, but I know that it is so true. For example, in supermarkets one bottle of water or one bottle of organic juice is usually the same price as buying two or three bottles of fizzy drink (e.g. Coca Cola). I know which one I would rather buy while budgeting to save money.
It is so true that television plays a large part in the obesity rate for young children. What about the MacDonald’s add they put on television to advertise happy meals. They focus so much on the toy that comes with the happy meal so that children beg their parents to take them to MacDonald’s so that they can get the toy. The food comes with the toy, so why not eat the food. Not only do the fast food adverts play during the time that children are most likely watching television but they ensure that the advertisements are exciting and enjoying for young children to watch.
Alice Lucy
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog post to be very insightful as I did not know the statistics on children watching television. Through these statistics I realise that television does play a part in children becoming obese as I find many parents use the television as a way to “entertain” their child. Instead of parents taking their children outside on nature walks, or even letting their children play around outside and getting fresh air and exercise, the parents find it easier to place their child infront of the television with snacks so that they are able to get tasks done.
This can also lead to the social issue of natural healthy foods becoming to expensive and junk food being the cheaper option. I strongly feel that parents are to blame as junk food such as McDonalds is a quick, easy and cheap way to feed their children. I believe if parents take the time to interact with their children in the outside environment, and for example produce their own vegetable garden with their children, the obesity rate would come down.