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A simple answer as cool, or me too is NOT acceptable; responses should be at least 125 words. Peer responses should be meaningful in that they add to the discussion or provide additional information or insight into a topic.

Owen: Since 1999, the American obesity rate has risen from 30 percent to 36.2 percent at the current day (Adult obesity facts, 2021). The United States is currently the twelfth most obese country in the world and its numbers are steadily growing from year to year. Those between the ages of 40 and 59 are also most likely to be/become obese (Holland, 2020). In addition to this, more than 60 chronic illnesses such as heart disease and various forms of cancer have been linked to obesity. In correlation, 22.4 percent of chiildren are currently obese in the United States, which has risen considerably since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic (Holland, 2020). Obese children that are obese have a much higher likelihood of become obese as adults and duffer from said chronic illnesses associated with obesity. According to the Lifespan Development textbook, obese children “tend to be rejected, ridiculed, teased and bullied by others” (Stopbullying.gov, 2018). Their self-confidence is often crushed and they often times refer to stress eating or even the opposite which is Anorexia. Approaches such as behavioral interventions and various training exercises are being researched in order to prevent further statistical increases in childhood obesity. Studies have shown that “family-based, multicomponent behavioral interventions to treat obesity and overweight in children 2 to 18,” have proven to be most effective in further preventing obesity (Weir, 2019). Also, childhood obesity itself can be treated through loving and affectionate behavior towards the child from the parents in order to improve the child’s self-confidence and motivation. Parents can also nudge the child in the correct direction in terms of food choices and then “praising” their efforts, which gives the child much needed motivation (Liang, et al., 2014).

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 7). Adult obesity facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 20, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html#:~:text=The%20US%20obesity%20prevalence%20was,from%204.7%25%20to%209.2%25.

Holland, K. (2020, July 29). Obesity Facts in America. Healthline. Retrieved October 20, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity-facts#3.-Obesity-is-linked-to-more-than-60-chronic-diseases.

Liang, J., Matheson, B., Kaye, W., & Boutelle, K. (2014). Neurocognitive correlates of obesity and obesity-related behaviors in children and adolescents. International Journal of Obesity, 38(4), 494-506

Stopbullying.gov. (2018). Preventing weight-based bullying. Retrieved from https://www.stopbullying.gov/blog/2018/11/05/preve…

Weir, K. (2019). Family-based behavioral treatment is key to addressing childhood obesity. Monitor on Pscyhology, 50(4), 31- 35.

Alexandra: Childhood Obesity is a tremendous issue in the United States that people should not take lightly. Obesity can lead to poor health and lead to major health risks. In 2015-2016 13.9% of 2-5 years old were obese and 18.4% of 6-11 year old were obese (Lally). These statistics are insane because these children are of such young ages; they should not have to worry about their health at that early of an age. The United States tend to have higher obesity statistics compared to other countries. Approximately 29% of children in the U.S are obese while 14% of children worldwide are obese. The U.S is home to one of the most obese countries (Mathews). The U.S not only has more fast food restaurants, but we also have easier access to these restaurants. Fast food restaurants in the United States also tend to make the healthier menu options such as a salad cost way more than a burger or chicken nuggets; therefore, people go for the least expensive menu option. Older people are more at risk to becoming obese because weight gain happens over a lifetime and if they do not do anything to stop themselves from gaining weight then they are more likely to become obese when they are older. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are also at a higher risk for obesity. To help their children, parents can practice inhibition which has shown to tremendously help obese children. Parents can be warm and supportive towards their child during this difficult time which helps tremendously instead of using shame and guilt. If parents praise their child for their good decisions regarding food choices then the child is more likely to make better and healthier decisions (Lally). Obesity has been a constant problem for the United States for a long time now, and we need to find solutions to help lower the statistics of obesity not only for the U.S but also worldwide.

References:

Lally, Martha, and Suzanne Valentine . College of Lake County. dept.clcillinois.edu/psy/LifespanDevelopment.pdf.

Matthews, Susan E., et al. “American Obesity Rates vs. World Obesity Rates – Everyday Health.” EverydayHealth.com, www.everydayhealth.com/news/are-we-fat-think/.