In recent years, one of the country’s biggest health problems continues to be debated. The food we eat is getting worse and the activities we participate in are getting more and more stationary. Obesity is killing Americans. Literally, it is hurting and killing thousands of people around the country. The question has not become whether obesity is a problem, but who’s to blame for it. Who is responsible for the growing rate of childhood obesity? Could we blame parents? Could society, itself, be reliable for this growing national problem and epidemic? Who are we to put the blame on?
To start, it is important that the facts are stated. “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” presents some important facts that help us get a larger picture of the problem that we are facing. They stated, “Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. The percentage of adolescents aged 6-11 years who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12-19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over
…show more content…
“Both adults and children need to ignore the endless amounts of advertising and pressure so as not to fall into the trap of unhealthy eating and realize the health risks fast food and sugar snacks are creating” (Obesity). Children are like sponges, they are greatly influenced by parents at a very young age, but they are also influenced by the media. “As a child develops their thoughts, attitudes, and perceptions are vulnerable and easily influenced, especially by the media. The media uses songs, colors, and celebrities to grab the attention of the mind of children (Obesity). For example, children may watch television and see an advertisement for fast food, they may see celebrities going to those places, and thus they are tempted to eat the