Obesity is the name given to a condition in which ones body fat has exceeded to the extent that it is dangerous and may lead to negative effects upon the health. There are many ways to measure obesity but the most appropriate and reliable measure of fat in children as well as adults is said to be the person’s body mass index (BMI). Obesity can lead to a number of health problems and may make the person prone to diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases. (Li, n. d)
Today, with the sort of lifestyle that is being followed by children and adolescents, Obesity is becoming and increasing epidemic. Obesity is becoming a growing concern for families due to the danger of the health crisis faced by children because they are overweight, malnourished and inactive. (Li, n. d) The Centers for disease control launched its campaign on obesity and overweight which focused primarily on discovering the causes of obesity and running campaigns and programs to promote factors that encourage the lifestyles that reduces obesity in children as well as adults.
The campaign lays more emphasis upon obesity in children as according to the surveys, increase in obesity in adults from 2003-2004 to 2005-2006 is from 31. 1% to 33. 3%. While statistics reveal that the rate of increase in obesity among children is from 5. 0% to 13. 9% and in adolescents from 6. 5% to 18. 8% (CDC, n. d). Overweight children are under health risks during their youth as well as when they grow older. Children that are obese are under risks of developing cardiovascular diseases and other medical conditions.
Also, children who are obese during their childhood more often tend to remain obese when they are adults. Therefore, emphasis has been laid on the obesity and overweight prevailing among children but this is indeed co related with parents and other adults as programs of the CDC also lay focus on adult obesity. CDC focused on running programs and campaigns that cultivate good health including a proper diet, physical activities, and avoidance of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
CDC recognized the need for physical activity among children which is slowly decreasing to almost nil. It followed a positive lifestyle approach that promoted physically active lifestyle through TV ads and teasers containing cartoons instead of the typical ads that warn children about the adverse effects of overweight. This approach was more feasible and pleasant as it motivated children in a friendly approach and did not cause a lack of confidence and distrust within them. However, similar approach was opted in the case of the reduction in drug use and was unsuccessful.
This could be due to the fact that in the case of drug abuse it is considered important to explain to children the effects and consequences that they would face if they followed this lifestyle. Anti drug ads are not just focused on obese children but they can rather be generalized and therefore there is not risk of affecting the moral and self confidence of the children. Anti drugs ads are therefore more appropriate and successful when endorsed through the negative approach.
None the less, other factors such as diet and physical activities among children can more suitably be addressed through the positive approach. (Li, n. d)
Works Cited Li, E. (n. d) Fighting obesity in children. Retrieved September 27, 2008, from www. ezinearticles. com Web site: http://ezinearticles. com/? Fighting-Obesity-in-Children&id=1406969 CDC (n. d). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved September 27, 2008, from Centers for disease control and prevention Web site: http://www. cdc. gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/index. htm