From the Left
It is becoming well-known that American children are not eating as healthy as they should be. As a result, the percentage of obese children is growing. From 1976 yo 1980, just 7% of children age 6-11 and 5% of adolescents (age 12 to 19) were obese. From 1999 to 2000, these percentages grew to 15.5% and 15.3% respectively. There are several reasons for this increase. Various recent technological developments such as video games, computers, and mobile phones have resulted in children burning fewer calories than before, and as a result gaining weight. Also, children's eating habits have gotten worse. Children eat more fast food today than years ago, due to parents taking their children out to eat more and eating home cooking less often. There is also a strong correlation between obesity and poverty. Poor families tend to have worse eating habits, and the percentage of poor children is growing, because poor parents tend to have more children than wealthier parents.
The government needs to make improved diet among children a bigger priority. Schools need to provide healthier food options for children. In addition, children need to exercise more. Schools should step up their physical education programs for children. Perhaps the government should also help to subsidize fitness centers for children. |
From the Right
The truth is that children are heavier today than they were fifty years ago. The entire country has engaged in a life of fast food diets and very little exercise. The slogan “99 cent heart attack” is not something people laugh at any longer, because it is becoming a reality for many Americans. However, it doesn’t have to be that way any longer.
There are many excuses parents give about why their children are overweight. Some parents claim their busy lifestyles restrict them from cooking healthy meals each night. Other parents claim their children won’t exercise, even when strongly encouraged. It really doesn’t help to ponder upon finding out why a child is overweight. If parents work with their children to properly guide their nutrition and exercise schedules, children will be less likely to pack on the extra pounds.
Typically the government doesn’t get involved in personal weight issues. However, when it comes to the growing number of obese children in the country, the government should get involved. Small steps, such as taking soda pop machines out of schools and ensuring that school lunches are healthy is vital.
Today’s schools are serving lunches that are popular, however are very rarely healthy. It is the duty of the government and school systems to work together to guarantee that any student eating lunch at school will be getting a nutritious meal that is not full of empty calories. Many school systems are hesitant to serve healthy options because they realize they do not sell as well as high calories foods like pizza and French fries. However, the end product is an obese student. |
