Both nationally and all over the world, there has been an increase in obesity not only among adults but among children as well. In fact, the increase in childhood obesity has become to the point where it is considered a global health crisis (Betz 2011). The cause of this global health crisis stems from an improper balance of caloric expenditure and caloric intake. There are also other major factors that play an important role in childhood obesity. There is a genetic factor, an environmental factor, a socio-economic factor and of course a behavioral factor (Ogden 2010). Children whose families have a genetic disposition for retention of adipose tissue and slower metabolisms have a higher risk at becoming obese. Those children whose family generates …show more content…
The US government has many food programs available for families that fall under the poverty rate. These programs include the SNAP food program as well as WIC (Women, Infants and Children). The WIC program offers vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables as well as milk, eggs and whole wheat breads (Berkowitz 2009). The WIC program also offers phenomenal support for breast feeding mothers in an attempt to help prevent obesity. There are also programs established by Michelle Obama called ‘Let’s Move.’ The tasks that this program focuses on includes the five initiatives of creating a healthy start for children, providing healthy foods in schools, improving access to healthy and affordable foods, empowering parents and caregivers, and increasing physical activity (Berkowitz 2009). I have also personally witnessed television networks support the need for healthier eating habits and the need for physical activity. Networks like Disney channel and Nickelodeon encourage young children to take a dance break by motivating them through songs and dance alongs. Disney has also started showcasing a series of mini cooking shows that allow kids to eat healthy foods in a creative way. These programs are interventions that are used in the hopes of reducing childhood