Sociology

In this paper I will write a reaction to an article written for the Colorado State University website regarding childhood obesity.  In brief, this article points out the different factors that cause this epidemic as well as discusses what these children are at risk for in their futures.  Finally, it talks about what parents can do to promote a healthy lifestyle for their children.

In the article Childhood Overweight by L. Bellows and J. Roach, they discuss the social problem of childhood obesity.  The article looks at all of the problems related to this epidemic such as, future medical issues these children face as well as the mental and psychological problems that go along with it.  They also take a look at all of the factors related to the causes of childhood obesity and the at-risk factors as well.  Finally, the article talks about the different things that parents and children can do to prevent or deal with obesity in children.

The article starts by giving us quick facts about childhood obesity overweight kids are more likely to be overweight adults genetics, behavior and family environment all are key factors overweight children are at risk for medical and psychological problems.

Approximately 16 percent of children 2  19 years old are classified as overweight. (Bellows and Roach)  And this number has increased in recent years.  They go on to tell us that obesity can lead to immediate and long-term issues and that these need attention.

Body mass index or BMI is what doctors use to measure a childs weight to height ratio in regards to their age and gender.  This helps to determine whether the child is overweight or is at risk of being overweight.  They categorize the different percentiles ranging from underweight to overweight and the childs BMI is plotted on this chart based on their percentage.

They discuss the consequences of a child being overweight such as higher risks for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.  There are also additional health complications associated with overweight children including sleep apnea, asthma, and liver damage. (Bellows and Roach)
The article looks at the causes and contributors to childhood obesity such as genetics, behavior, environment and socio-demographics.

Finally, they wrap up the article talking about what parents and children can do to combat obesity by promoting healthy habits such as, healthy eating, increased activity and decreased screen time meaning less time in front of the television or computer.

I feel that this article is accurate regarding this epidemic of childhood obesity.  It takes in account different factors such as genetics and environment in making a determination of whether the child will be overweight or not.  It makes it clear that not one thing alone can lead to the problem.  It can be a combination of things poor eating habit, watching too much tv, overweight parents, not being active enough in school or at home.

Bellows and Roach talk about how parents should advocate better nutrition and more activity in school as well as limit their childs time in front of the television at home.  Kids need to get out and be more active.  I think they got that part right.

However, even though I think the article was accurate, Im not so sure that someone reading it that has an overweight child would take immediate action.  I dont think that the article does enough to scare anyone that really needed the help.  I think that it is very informative but doesnt talk enough about all of the damage that childhood obesity can do.  They definitely touch on it but dont drive home the point that this is something that needs to be remedied now.  And I feel that this issue is that serious.

The article also failed to point out the drain on society that childhood obesity causes.  They do say that they are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and also type 2 diabetes, but they did not mention what impact this would have on society as they got older.

Bellows and Roach did touch on the fact that childhood obesity can lead to psychological problems from bullying and poor self image but they didnt go any deeper than that.  I wouldve liked to see them delve into the psychological aspects a little more.  I think that would help to get the point across a little better.

Finally, I do agree with what the authors wrote about the solution to this problem.  Kids need to put down the video game controllers, parents need to turn off the television and families need to eat more healthy meals together as a family.  The overweight children need more physical activity and a better diet.  I just feel like this article was a very clinical one, and, perhaps thats what it was meant to be.  However, I wouldve liked to see a little more guts to it versus skimming over the top.

Childhood obesity is a serious social issue that parents, educators and children, all need to take notice and do something to help solve this epidemic.