Obesity in the US

 Edwin D.

4^th Period

5/21/12

Obesity

Obesity is one of the biggest problems in the U.S. Kids are not excercising a lot because they prefer to be inside the house watching TV or playing video games than going outside to play ball or just going to take a walk to the park. Also, there are more obese adolescents in the last years.  “The problem of childhood obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese.  Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat”. A lot of infants don’t eat healthy food and prefer to eat fast food, but this is mostly because their parents have to be working and when they come home from work they are just to tired to make something to eat so they just go to buy some hamburgers or any fast food. Obesity can cause a lot of health problems. “Child and adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems.  Teens with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and be less popular with their peers.  Depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder .can also occur.”

Adolescents may be obese because in high school once you reach the eleventh grade the school doesn’t let you take P.E. (Physical Education) unless you haven’t passed it. Only people that are in sports continue to be exercising and the people that play sports outside of school. However young people that don’t like to exercise just stop doing it and they continue to eat and that makes them obese. Teens should exercise because it helps you in so many ways. No matter what your age or shape, you should exercise daily. “Not only does exercise tone your body so you can wear your favorite jeans, it strengthens your muscles, keeps your bones strong, and improves your skin. And there are more benefits of exercise -- increased relaxation, better sleep and mood, strong immune function.”

Works Cited

"Obesity In Children And Teens | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry." Obesity In Children And Teens | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Web. 21 May 2012.

"Obesity In Children And Teens | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry." Obesity In Children And Teens | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Web. 21 May 2012.

"Teen Health." The Incredible Benefits of Regular Exercise. Web. 21 May 2012.